Thai Facebook users have raised alarms after discovering that searching for a common word or name, “May,” which is both a popular female name and a month, can yield explicit and pornographic video results.
The problem, reported on Tuesday, appears to affect both the mobile application and desktop versions of Facebook.
Many netizens shared screenshots showing that when they search for “May,” the results include inappropriate images and videos, often appearing at the top of search results. This has raised concerns over the platform’s content moderation and the effectiveness of its algorithms in filtering adult content.
Initial investigations suggest that the issue may be caused by a malfunction or glitch in Facebook’s search engine or artificial intelligence (AI) moderation system, which is designed to automatically detect and block adult material.
The glitch may have allowed such content to bypass automated filters, exposing users, particularly young audiences, to explicit videos.
It remains unclear whether this problem is limited to Thai users or if it is more widespread. Facebook has yet to explain the cause of the incident.
Experts say such glitches highlight the ongoing challenges social media platforms face worldwide in managing user-generated content, especially in regions with high social media penetration like Thailand.