NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid advertisements in India that encouraged access to material related to child sexual abuse, prompting investigations from regulators and Meta. Investigators identified around 30 distinct ads linked to such content, with some appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Some of these ads directed users to Telegram channels offering illegal material for payment. Meta later acknowledged that these advertisements violated its policies on child exploitation and took steps to remove additional ads, accounts, and links associated with the material.
An Instagram account was created by investigators in India, where they followed 10 profiles posting sexually suggestive content. Within days, paid ads for explicit adult material started to appear, followed by ads featuring children in suggestive situations that directed viewers outside of Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels offering illegal content for as little as 99 rupees. The investigation revealed that such prohibited content had penetrated Instagram’s advertising platform despite the platform’s review and enforcement efforts.
One ad involving a young child was flagged through Instagram’s built-in reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not violate its community standards. However, Meta later confirmed that its systems had already detected some offending ads and disabled associated accounts. After investigators provided additional evidence, Meta conducted further reviews, removing more ads, shutting down more accounts, and blocking URLs that violated its child sexual exploitation policies.
Indian authorities demand explanations regarding ad oversight
Following the public release of the findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a response. The ministry ordered action against advertisements and content promoting access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material, and requested details on how such ads bypassed Instagram’s safety mechanisms. The Indian government emphasized its serious concern over the reports, requesting a comprehensive reply from the intermediary under India’s online safety and platform compliance framework.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also issued notices to social media platforms in connection with this issue. It subsequently initiated an inquiry involving Meta services. Indian legislation mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content and material that could harm children. The Information Technology Act and associated rules impose responsibilities on major digital platforms within the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers further legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Meta continues removal efforts and faces ongoing child protection investigation
Meta states that it employs automated systems to detect accounts exhibiting suspicious activity involving children. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally for potentially suspicious behavior. It also indicated that millions of instances of child exploitation content were taken down across its platforms. In India, Meta’s systems targeting suspicious off-platform links led to the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. The company’s advertising policies strictly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also eliminated channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. The platform announced the removal of more than 274,000 groups and channels associated with such content during 2026. Indian authorities are examining how banned advertisements reached users through paid promotions and whether platform controls are sufficient under legal standards. Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and states it has taken action against related accounts, advertisements, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection investigation remains ongoing.