NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid ads in India that facilitated access to child sexual abuse content, prompting an investigation by Indian authorities and Meta. Some of these advertisements directed users to Telegram channels offering illegal material for purchase, with prices starting at 99 rupees in certain cases. Meta later confirmed that the ads violated its policies against child exploitation. Following a review of the material uncovered during the probe, the company took down additional ads, deactivated related accounts, and blocked related links.
Authorities set up an Instagram account in India and tracked profiles posting sexually suggestive content. The platform soon began showing the account paid advertisements promoting explicit material. Later ads featured children in sexualized situations and linked users to Telegram. Investigators recorded approximately 30 distinct ads connected to child sexual abuse material, some appearing under multiple advertiser accounts. These findings demonstrated that prohibited content bypassed Instagram’s review controls and entered its paid advertising system.
Instagram employs automated systems and occasionally human oversight to review advertisements. During the investigation, one ad involving a young child was reported via Instagram’s reporting tools. Initially, the platform responded that the ad did not violate its standards. However, Meta later stated that its detection systems had already flagged some offending ads, leading to the disabling of associated accounts. The company then removed additional content after receiving further details, and also blocked URLs linked to material that violated its policies on child sexual exploitation.
Indian authorities demand measures from Meta
In July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded to the exposure of these ads. It instructed Meta to eliminate content and ads promoting or facilitating access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The ministry also requested information on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. Later, the Indian government declared that it was taking the reports seriously and asked the involved intermediary for a comprehensive response. Authorities continued to review compliance with India’s online safety regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also joined the case, issuing notices to social media platforms and launching an inquiry into Meta’s services. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to act when they encounter illegal material involving minors. The Information Technology Act and its related rules define the responsibilities of platforms concerning harmful online content. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers criminal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Official review of platform enforcement measures underway
Meta has stated it uses advanced technology to identify accounts with suspicious activity related to children. In 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potentially harmful behavior involving minors. It also took down millions of pieces of child exploitation content. In India alone, detection systems targeting off-platform links led to 160,000 account removals over six months. Meta affirms its policies strictly prohibit advertisements that exploit, endanger, or sexualize children.
The situation has brought increased scrutiny to Instagram’s advertising controls in India. Authorities are investigating how such prohibited content was able to reach users through paid promotions and whether the platform’s safeguards comply with legal standards. Meta acknowledged that some ads violated its policies and stated it took action against the related ads, accounts, and links. After the investigation, Telegram also removed channels connected to illegal child sexual abuse material. As of August 7, India’s child protection authorities continue their inquiry into the involved platforms and the material itself.