Advertiser checks tightened to curb online scams

‘No ID, No Ads’ rule to take effect in November, Meta pledges its support

PUBLISHED : 23 Oct 2026 at 16:28

The Thai government is stepping up efforts to combat online scams by working with Meta to tighten identity verification requirements for advertisers on social media platforms, with a “No ID, No Ads” policy set to take effect in early November.

Chaichanok Chidchob, the digital economy and society minister, has sought the cooperation of the Facebook and Instagram parent to prevent scammers from exploiting online advertising to defraud the public, while ensuring legitimate businesses can continue operating on digital platforms.

A new notification issued by the Electronic Transactions Commission (ETC), published in the Royal Gazette in May and taking effect in early November, requires platforms to verify advertisers’ identities before their advertisements can be published.

Identity checks must involve document verification combined with facial comparison or a highly reliable digital identity verification system. Platforms must also retain advertiser information for at least 90 days after the advertisements have ended.

Meta has encouraged advertisers wishing to place advertisements in Thailand to complete the identity verification process on its platforms by early November.

To minimise disruption to businesses, Meta will work with the DE Ministry and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency to communicate the requirements and help advertisers prepare for the changes, with particular emphasis on small businesses.

The cooperation aims to ensure small businesses can complete verification within the prescribed timeframe and continue conducting business on digital platforms.

The initiative reflects closer cooperation between the government and digital platform operators to strengthen online safety and reduce opportunities for criminals to use paid advertisements to reach potential victims.

At the same time, the ministry intends to ensure that tighter safeguards do not unnecessarily hinder legitimate commercial activity, particularly among smaller businesses that rely on social media to reach customers.