NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Meta’s Instagram platform was under investigation in India after paid advertisements facilitated access to child sexual abuse material via external links. Authorities identified approximately 30 distinct ads associated with such content. Multiple advertisements directed users to Telegram channels where illegal material was available for purchase, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta later confirmed that these ads breached its policies on child exploitation, leading to the removal of additional ads, accounts, and related links.
An investigative team created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. Soon after, the platform began serving paid advertisements promoting explicit adult content. Subsequent ads depicted children in sexually provocative scenarios and included links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts circulated more than one variation of the illicit material. These findings revealed that banned content had infiltrated Instagram’s commercial advertising system, despite the implementation of screening measures intended to detect violations prior to or after publication.
The investigation also uncovered a single advertisement involving a young child through Instagram’s own reporting tools. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not violate its community standards. However, Meta later stated that its automated detection systems had already identified several problematic ads and disabled the related accounts. After further review, Meta removed additional advertisements and blocked URLs connected to the harmful material. The company emphasized that its policies strictly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities challenge Meta on platform safeguards
Following the public release of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a statement requiring Meta to take action against ads and content that promote access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials demanded explanations regarding how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s protective measures. The Indian government later acknowledged the seriousness of the reports and requested a detailed response from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also issued notices to social media services concerning this issue, subsequently initiating an investigation into Meta’s operations. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving minors, as outlined in the Information Technology Act and associated regulations. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act further establishes criminal safeguards against sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
Broader enforcement efforts face increased scrutiny
Meta claims to utilize automated detection systems to flag accounts engaged in suspicious activity involving children. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide suspected of such behavior. It also took down millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, Meta’s detection mechanisms targeting suspicious off-platform links led to the removal of 160,000 accounts over a six-month span. The company’s advertising policies explicitly ban content associated with child sexual exploitation.
Telegram stated that it also eliminated channels linked to child sexual abuse material uncovered through enforcement activities. The platform removed more than 274,000 groups and channels related to such content in 2026. Indian authorities continue to investigate how prohibited advertisements reached users via paid Instagram promotions, including whether platform controls complied with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and reported taking action against related advertisements, accounts, and links.