Meta today announced the launch of its new “Scambusters” campaign in partnership with the Cyber Security Council (CSC). The campaign educates internet users in the UAE about online scams, how to identify them, and tools offered by Meta to report and block suspicious activity.

Users engaging with the campaign will be directed to a WhatsApp chat with Sago, an AI-powered chatbot that guides users on staying safe online. Created by Mythos Labs in 2024, Sago allows users to forward suspicious messages or share screenshots. It highlights potential red flags and helps assess whether a message might be a scam.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, emphasized the growing risks of cybercrime. He reported that reliance on digital infrastructure in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and financial services has increased online threats. He stressed the need for strategic investments in cybersecurity to protect individuals, businesses, and government institutions.

Basma Ammari, MENA Director of Public Policy at Meta, revealed that the campaign aims to equip users with education and resources to stay safe online. She noted the critical role of CSC in co-developing and co-branding the initiative, enhancing its impact and reach.

The Scambusters campaign will run for two months, reinforcing Meta and CSC’s commitment to online safety. Meta continues to roll out new anti-scam tools and safeguards, including:

• In-app messaging context alerts across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram
• Group invitation context cards and alerts for unknown contacts
• Facial-recognition-based solutions, such as “celeb-bait” ad detection and optional video-selfie verification for account recovery

Meta reported that these measures form part of a layered approach to stay ahead of evolving scam tactics, while empowering users with greater awareness and control. The company’s comprehensive strategy includes robust policies, advanced detection mechanisms, and strategic education partnerships to foster a safer online environment.

Related post

View all