NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid promotional content in India that encouraged access to child sexual abuse material, prompting responses from regulatory bodies and Meta. Certain advertisements directed users toward Telegram channels offering illegal content in exchange for payment. Authorities documented approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such materials, with some ads appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta later verified that these ads breached its policies on child exploitation and subsequently removed additional ads, accounts, and links associated with the illicit content.
Investigators set up an Instagram profile in India, following ten profiles posting sexually provocative content. Within days, paid ads promoting explicit adult material started to surface. Later, additional advertisements depicted children in sexually suggestive scenarios and directed viewers outside Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels offering illegal content for as little as 99 rupees. The investigation revealed that prohibited material had infiltrated Instagram’s advertising platform despite the platform’s review procedures and enforcement measures.
One ad featuring a young child was flagged through Instagram’s built-in reporting feature. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. However, Meta later stated that its systems had already identified some offending ads and disabled associated accounts. When investigators presented further evidence, the company reviewed more content and subsequently removed additional advertisements, deactivated further accounts, and blocked URLs violating its child sexual exploitation policies.
Indian authorities demand clarification on ad moderation controls
Following the publication of the findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by initiating action against ads and content promoting access to child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. The ministry also requested information on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later emphasized that it had taken the reports seriously, calling for a comprehensive response from the platform under India’s online safety and platform compliance regulations.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media entities regarding the situation. An inquiry was subsequently launched involving services owned by Meta. Indian law obligates online intermediaries to address illegal content and material that harms children. The Information Technology Act along with its associated rules impose duties on major digital platforms operating domestically. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers additional legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Meta’s ongoing removal efforts and child protection investigations persist
Meta states that it employs automated tools to detect accounts involved in suspicious activities relating to children. During 2025, the company reported deleting over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide suspected of such behaviors. It also noted the removal of millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. Specifically, in India, Meta highlighted that automated systems targeting suspicious off-platform links contributed to the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. The company’s advertising policies explicitly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes minors.
Additionally, Telegram has taken action by removing channels associated with child sexual abuse material flagged through enforcement efforts. The platform announced that it removed more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue to examine how prohibited ads were able to reach users through paid promotions and whether platform controls comply with legal standards. Meta acknowledges that violating ads appeared and asserts that it has taken action against related accounts, advertisements, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection investigation remains ongoing.
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