WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other meta-related social media apps have once again come under scrutiny in India, the second major action against the tech company in a week. After raising concerns over WhatsApp’s proposed username feature, the government is now preparing to summon Meta. This action is being taken after allegations of paid advertisements on Instagram containing content related to sexual exploitation of children. Some advertisements on Instagram were sending users to Telegram channels, where such illegal content was allegedly being sold, let’s know the complete details.
Government’s new investigation on Meta regarding Instagram ads
On the instructions of Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is preparing to summon Metra. This action is being taken after allegations of objectionable advertisements related to children appearing on Instagram.
Officials will ask the company how such ads passed Instagram’s moderation and review system and what steps have been taken to prevent such incidents in future.
The government is preparing to summon Meta over alleged objectionable Instagram ads involving children.
This action follows a BBC investigation into Instagram ads in India.
MeitY will seek clarification on how such ads passed Meta’s review process.
The government will also ask what corrective steps have been taken to prevent such incidents.
Earlier this week, Meta already received a notice regarding WhatsApp’s proposed username feature.
India remains Meta’s largest global market, with over a billion users on its platform.
What was claimed in the BBC investigation?
Paid ads were shown on Instagram using terms such as “child video” and “rape video.”
Clicking on these advertisements allegedly took users to Telegram channels, where child sexual abuse content was being sold for ₹99.
The investigation was conducted using a new Instagram account created in India.
Within a few days, objectionable posts and advertisements related to children started appearing on the account.
The BBC said it shared information about about 30 such advertisements and their associated Telegram channels with Indian authorities.
Questions on Instagram’s ad review system
The government wants to understand how these ads were approved despite Meta’s moderation process.
According to BBC report:
Instagram initially responded to a reported ad, saying it did not violate community guidelines. Meta later acknowledged that no moderation system is completely foolproof.
The company said it:
Many objectionable advertisements have been removed.
The accounts that posted them have been suspended.
Blocked many URLs.
Action has been taken against other accounts violating the policy.
Government asked for detailed explanation
How did these alleged ads escape Instagram’s review system?
Why was the platform not able to identify these as violations initially?
What technical and policy reforms is Meta planning to implement?
How will such incidents be prevented in future.
WhatsApp’s username feature also under review
This is the second time in a week that Meta has faced a government investigation.
Earlier, the central government had issued a notice regarding the proposed username feature of WhatsApp and expressed concern that it could increase the following threats:
Online fraud.
Phishing attacks.
Identity impersonation.
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