NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – In India, authorities are examining approximately 30 separate Instagram advertisements that promoted access to child sexual abuse material through external links. Investigators found that many of these ads directed users to Telegram channels where illegal content was available for purchase, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta subsequently confirmed that these ads breached its policies against child exploitation, removing additional ads, accounts, and related links.
To gather evidence, investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles sharing sexually suggestive posts. Soon after, the platform began serving paid ads featuring explicit adult content. Subsequent advertisements included images of children in sexually provocative settings and links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts displayed multiple versions of this content. Findings indicate that prohibited material bypassed Instagram’s screening measures, which are designed to detect policy violations prior to or after publication.
Investigators also reported a case involving a young child through Instagram’s reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach community standards. However, Meta later stated that its automated detection systems had already identified several offending advertisements, leading to the disabling of related accounts. After further investigation, Meta removed additional ads and blocked URLs associated with the illegal material. The company emphasized that its policies strictly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian regulators demand accountability from Meta over safety measures
Following the public revelation of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a directive to Meta to take action against ads and content that facilitate access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The ministry also inquired about how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government has since announced that it is closely monitoring the situation, requesting a comprehensive response from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
Separately, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to multiple social media providers concerning this issue and subsequently launched an investigation involving Meta’s services. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving minors, with the Information Technology Act and its related rules outlining the responsibilities of major digital platforms. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act establishes criminal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader scrutiny over enforcement efforts intensifies
Meta reports that it employs automated systems to identify accounts exhibiting suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potential violations. It also eliminated millions of pieces of child exploitation content from its services. In India alone, detection mechanisms focusing on suspicious off-platform links resulted in 160,000 account removals over six months. The company’s advertising policies explicitly ban content connected to child sexual exploitation.
Meanwhile, Telegram has taken steps to delete channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement actions. The platform announced the removal of more than 274,000 groups and channels related to such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue their investigation into how these prohibited ads reached users via paid Instagram promotions, scrutinizing whether platform controls comply with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta confirmed that it had identified the offending ads and had acted by removing associated advertisements, accounts, and links.