NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid advertisements within India that promoted access to child sexual abuse material, prompting regulatory and Meta responses. Several of these ads directed users to Telegram channels offering illegal content in exchange for payment. Authorities identified approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such material, some originating from multiple advertiser accounts. Meta later confirmed that these ads violated its policies on child exploitation and took action by removing additional advertisements, accounts, and links associated with the content.
Investigators set up an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. Within days, paid advertisements for explicit adult content began to appear. Subsequent ads depicted children in provocative settings 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 had infiltrated Instagram’s advertising platform despite the platform’s review and enforcement efforts.
A report was made through Instagram’s built-in reporting system concerning an advertisement involving a young child. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. However, Meta later stated that its systems had already detected some offending ads, leading to the disabling of related accounts. After investigators presented additional evidence, Meta conducted a further review and subsequently removed more ads, deactivated additional accounts, and blocked URLs violating its child sexual exploitation policies.
Indian officials demand clarity on ad moderation procedures
Following the public disclosure of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by ordering action against advertisements and content facilitating access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The ministry also requested details on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later emphasized its serious concern and asked the platform involved to provide a comprehensive response under India’s online safety and platform compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media platforms regarding this issue. Subsequently, an inquiry was launched involving services owned by Meta. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to act against unlawful content and material that endangers children. The Information Technology Act along with its rules impose responsibilities on major digital platforms operating within the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers extra legal safeguards to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse involving minors.
Meta’s ongoing removal efforts and child safety investigations persist
Meta reports that it employs automated systems to identify accounts exhibiting suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company stated it removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally due to potentially suspicious behavior. It also took down millions of pieces of content related to child exploitation across its platforms. In India, Meta indicated that its systems targeting off-platform links resulted in the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. The company’s advertising policies explicitly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also taken steps by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material flagged through enforcement efforts. During 2026, the company eliminated more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such material. Indian authorities continue to scrutinize how prohibited advertisements bypassed platform controls and whether these controls adhered to legal standards. Meta acknowledges the presence of violating ads and confirms that it took measures against related accounts, ads, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection inquiry remains active.