NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid ads in India that facilitated access to child sexual abuse material, prompting investigations from authorities and Meta. Several of these advertisements directed users to Telegram channels where illegal content could be purchased. Authorities identified approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such material, with some ads appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta later acknowledged that these ads breached its child exploitation policies and took action to remove additional ads, associated accounts, and links connected to the material.
An Instagram account was created in India, followed by the monitoring of 10 profiles that posted sexually suggestive content. Within days, paid advertisements promoting explicit adult content surfaced. Subsequent ads depicted children in sexually provocative settings and directed traffic outside Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels offering illegal content for as little as 99 rupees. The investigation revealed that prohibited material infiltrated Instagram’s advertising platform despite the platform’s review and enforcement efforts.
One such advertisement involving a minor was flagged using Instagram’s in-built reporting feature. Initially, Instagram responded by stating that the ad did not breach community standards. However, Meta later confirmed that its systems had already identified some offending ads and had disabled associated accounts. After investigators presented further evidence, Meta reviewed additional content and subsequently removed more ads, deactivated more accounts, and blocked URLs that violated its policies on child sexual exploitation.
Indian authorities demand clarity on advertising oversight
Following the revelations in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by initiating actions against ads and content promoting access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. It also requested details on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safety measures. The Indian government emphasized its serious concern regarding the reports and formally sought a comprehensive reply from the platform under India’s online safety and platform compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also issued notices to social media companies regarding the issue, subsequently launching an investigation involving Meta. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to act against unlawful and harmful content targeting children. The Information Technology Act and its rules impose responsibilities on major digital platforms operating within the country. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act further enhances legal protections against sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
Meta’s ongoing efforts to remove harmful content and child safety investigations continue
Meta reports utilizing automated detection systems to flag accounts displaying suspicious behavior related to minors. During 2025, the company claimed to have removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potential suspicious activity. It also eliminated millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, Meta’s systems targeting off-platform malicious links led to the removal of 160,000 accounts over a six-month period. Its advertising policies explicitly prohibit any content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also taken steps to eliminate channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement actions. The company reported removing more than 274,000 groups and channels related to such content in 2026. Indian officials are examining how prohibited advertisements were able to reach users through paid promotion and whether the platform’s controls comply with legal standards. Meta admits that violating ads have appeared and asserts it has acted against related accounts, advertisements, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection inquiry remains ongoing.