Center cracks down on Meta, Orders removal of Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse content

New Delhi: The Central government has issued a notice to Meta, directing the company to immediately remove Instagram advertisements and content allegedly promoting Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also sought a detailed response from the social media giant within seven days.

The action follows a BBC investigation that claimed Instagram displayed paid advertisements in India allegedly promoting child sexual abuse material and directing users to Telegram channels where such content could be accessed.

Govt seeks immediate action

According to official sources, MeitY has instructed Meta to disable all advertisements and content facilitating access to CSEAM. The ministry has also asked the company to take corrective steps to prevent the algorithmic amplification of sexually exploitative content on Instagram.

The Center reportedly summoned Meta officials after the investigation gained widespread attention, with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking an explanation from the company.

BBC investigation raises concerns

The BBC investigation claimed to have identified 30 advertisements allegedly promoting child sexual abuse material. Some of the ads reportedly used explicit terms and redirected users to Telegram channels where such content was allegedly available for purchase.

The report also claimed that one advertisement featuring a distressed young girl was initially not found to be in violation of Instagram’s community standards.

Meta reiterates zero-tolerance policy

Responding to the allegations, Meta said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards child sexual abuse material, including advertisements.

The company stated that it uses advanced artificial intelligence tools and dedicated security teams to proactively detect and remove such content while continuously improving its systems to combat online predators.

Under Section 67(B) of the Information Technology Act, publishing or transmitting material depicting children in sexually explicit acts is a punishable offense in India.