NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram displayed paid advertisements in India that encouraged access to child sexual abuse material, prompting responses from both regulators and Meta. Several of these ads directed users to Telegram channels offering illegal content for payment. Authorities documented roughly 30 distinct ads associated with such material, with some appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta subsequently confirmed that the ads contravened its child exploitation policies and removed additional ads, accounts, and links connected to the material.
In India, investigators created an Instagram account and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. Within days, paid advertisements promoting explicit adult content began to surface. Later, some ads depicted children in sexually provocative contexts and directed viewers outside of Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels offering illegal material for as little as 99 rupees. The investigation revealed that prohibited content infiltrated Instagram’s advertising system despite the platform’s review and enforcement measures.
One ad involving a young child was flagged through Instagram’s built-in reporting mechanism. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. Meta later clarified that its systems had already identified some offending advertisements and disabled associated accounts. Upon reviewing additional evidence provided by investigators, Meta removed further ads, deactivated more accounts, and blocked URLs that violated its child sexual exploitation policies.
Indian authorities demand clarification on ad oversight
Following the public disclosure of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by ordering action against ads and content promoting access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. It also requested information on how such advertising bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The government of India later emphasized that it had taken the reports seriously, seeking a detailed explanation from the platform under India’s online safety and platform compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media companies regarding this matter and subsequently launched an investigation involving services operated by Meta. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content and material that poses harm to children. The Information Technology Act along with related rules impose responsibilities on major digital platforms operating within the country. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act further provides legal safeguards to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Meta’s ongoing removal efforts and child safety probe persist
Meta states it employs automated systems to detect accounts exhibiting suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company reported deleting over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally due to potentially suspicious conduct. It also removed millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India alone, Meta’s systems targeting suspicious off-platform links led to the removal of 160,000 accounts over a six-month span. Its advertising policies strictly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also taken steps by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. The company reported removing more than 274,000 groups and channels associated with such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue examining how prohibited advertisements reached users through paid promotions and whether platform controls meet legal standards. Meta has acknowledged the presence of violating ads and states it has acted against relevant accounts, ads, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection inquiry remains active.