India, Sept. 1 -- Meta removed dozens of advertisements from Facebook and Instagram after the Centre warned that malicious Android apps masquerading as pornography apps were being promoted through sexually explicit content on the platforms.

The apps could steal banking credentials and OTPs, take control of users' devices, and transfer money from their accounts without their knowledge, according to an advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Reuters found at least 39 such ads active after the advisory was issued. Meta removed all the ads shortly after the news agency flagged them to the company.

Inc42 has reached out to Meta for a comment on the development. The story will be updated if a response is received.

The advisor...