NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – In July 2023, Indian authorities launched an investigation into Instagram advertisements that facilitated access to child sexual abuse material by directing users outside the platform. Around 30 distinct ads connected to such content were documented by investigators, some of which led users to Telegram channels where illegal material was offered in exchange for payment, with listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta confirmed that these ads violated its policies against child exploitation and subsequently removed additional advertisements, accounts, and related links.
An Instagram account was created by investigators in India to monitor activity, following 10 profiles posting sexually suggestive content. Soon after, the platform began serving paid advertisements promoting explicit adult content. Later advertisements featured children in sexually suggestive contexts and included links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts posted multiple versions of such material. The investigation revealed that prohibited content had infiltrated Instagram’s commercial advertising system despite existing screening measures designed to detect policy violations prior to or after publication.
Authorities also reported finding one advertisement involving a young child through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. However, Meta later stated that its automated systems had already detected several offending ads and disabled the related accounts. After obtaining additional information, Meta removed further ads and blocked URLs associated with the illegal material. The company emphasized that its policies prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities confront Meta over safety measures
Following the public disclosure of these findings in July, the Meta was instructed by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to take action against ads and content that promote access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials requested details on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later acknowledged the seriousness of the reports and demanded a comprehensive response from the intermediary under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
In addition, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media platforms regarding the issue. A subsequent investigation involving Meta’s services was initiated. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving children, guided by the Information Technology Act and its related rules, which outline platform responsibilities. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act also establishes criminal safeguards against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader enforcement efforts attract increased scrutiny
Meta states it employs automated detection systems to flag accounts exhibiting suspicious activity involving minors. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally for potentially suspicious behavior. It also took down millions of instances of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, detection efforts targeting off-platform links led to the removal of approximately 160,000 accounts over six months, with standards explicitly banning content linked to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also reported removing channels related to child sexual abuse material that were identified through enforcement initiatives. The platform claimed to have eliminated more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such material during 2026. Indian authorities continue their investigation into how prohibited advertisements managed to reach users via paid Instagram promotions, including examining whether platform controls adhered to legal requirements. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and stated that it had taken measures against related advertisements, accounts, and links.