Meta has reportedly allowed a Pakistan-based advertiser to run a sponsored campaign promoting the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) to Indian users, raising serious questions about the platform’s safeguards against foreign political influence.
The advertisement, displayed as a paid sponsored post on Facebook, invites users to become “Senior Members” of the Cockroach Janta Party, encouraging them to join what it describes as a “viral movement”, participate in campaigns, build networks and earn “performance-based rewards.”
The promotional graphic claims active members can earn up to ₹50,000 per month and urges users to “Join the Movement” by applying through a Click Here link. There is also a QR code that enables people to ‘join’.
However, the advertiser disclosure shown by Meta raises significant questions about the origin of the campaign.
According to the “About the disclaimer” section displayed by Meta, the advertisement lists:
- Location: Pakistan
- Advertiser: Muhammad Zain
- Payer: Muhammad Zain
The disclosure indicates that the advertisement is being funded and run from Pakistan.
The development has triggered serious concerns over Meta’s advertising policies, particularly because the sponsored campaign appears to be targeting an Indian political audience while originating from outside the country.
The advertisement promotes participation in an organisation that has been at the centre of recent nationwide protests and political mobilisation. Its messaging explicitly seeks to recruit members, expand the movement and incentivise participation through monetary rewards.
The fact that such a campaign is reportedly being promoted through Meta’s paid advertising platform by an advertiser disclosed as being located in Pakistan is likely to raise questions over the platform’s safeguards against foreign-funded political influence targeting Indian users.
The disclosure also raises questions concerns over whether Meta’s advertising systems are permitting overseas entities to push political advertisements directed at Indian audiences to create a narrative.
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