NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid advertisements in India that encouraged access to child sexual abuse material. This prompted regulatory bodies and Meta to take action. Some of these ads directed users to Telegram channels where illegal content was available for payment. Authorities recorded approximately 30 unique ads linked to such material, with several appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta later confirmed that the ads breached its policies on child exploitation and removed additional ads, accounts, and links related to the content.
Investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles that posted sexually suggestive content. Within days, paid ads promoting explicit adult material started appearing. Later, some ads featured children in sexually provocative situations and directed viewers outside Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels offering illegal material for as little as 99 rupees. These findings indicated that prohibited content had entered Instagram’s advertising system despite the platform’s review and enforcement efforts.
One ad involving a young child was flagged through Instagram’s built-in reporting feature. 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 and disabled the associated accounts. After investigators presented further evidence, Meta reviewed more material. Consequently, the company removed additional advertisements, deactivated more accounts, and blocked URLs that violated its policies against child sexual exploitation.
Indian government seeks clarification on ad moderation procedures
Following the public release of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by instructing action against ads and content that promoted access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The ministry also demanded explanations on how such advertising bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian authorities later emphasized that they had taken the reports seriously. They requested a comprehensive response from the platform under India’s online safety and platform compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also issued notices to various social media services regarding this issue. It subsequently launched an investigation into Meta-owned platforms. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content that harms children. The Information Technology Act and related regulations assign specific responsibilities to major digital platforms operating within the country. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act further reinforces legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse involving minors.
Meta’s automated detection efforts and ongoing child protection inquiry
Meta states that it employs automated systems to identify accounts showing suspicious activity related to children. The company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally during 2025 for potentially suspicious behavior. It also deleted millions of pieces of content related to child exploitation across its platforms. In India, Meta reported that its systems targeting off-platform suspicious links led to 160,000 account removals over a six-month period. The company’s advertising policies strictly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also taken steps by removing channels associated with child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement actions. The platform announced the deletion of more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such material during 2026. Indian authorities are currently investigating how these prohibited advertisements managed to reach users through paid promotions and whether platform controls were sufficient under legal standards. Meta acknowledges the presence of violating ads and asserts that it has taken action against related accounts, ads, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection investigation remains active.