NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid campaigns in India that encouraged access to child sexual abuse content, prompting regulatory scrutiny and actions from Meta. Several advertisements directed users to Telegram channels offering illegal material for payment. Investigators identified approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such content, with some appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta later acknowledged that these ads contravened its child exploitation policies and removed additional ads, accounts, and links associated with the material.
In their investigation, authorities created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. Within days, paid advertisements for explicit adult content started appearing. Subsequent ads depicted children in sexually suggestive contexts and directed users outside 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 system despite the platform’s review and enforcement measures.
One ad involving a minor was flagged through Instagram’s built-in reporting feature. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. However, Meta later confirmed that its systems had already detected some offending ads and had disabled related accounts. Following further review prompted by investigators’ additional findings, Meta removed more advertisements, deactivated further accounts, and blocked URLs that violated its policies on child sexual exploitation.
Indian authorities demand clarification on ad oversight
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a statement after the findings emerged in July. The ministry directed actions against advertisements and content facilitating access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. It also requested information on how such advertising bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later confirmed it had taken the matter seriously and called for a detailed response from the involved intermediary under India’s online safety and platform compliance laws.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to various social media platforms regarding this issue. It subsequently launched an inquiry involving services owned by Meta. Indian legislation mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content and material harmful to children. The Information Technology Act and associated rules impose responsibilities on major digital platforms operating in the country, while the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers additional protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Meta’s enforcement efforts and ongoing child protection investigation
Meta reports employing automated detection tools to identify suspicious accounts involving minors. The company disclosed that during 2025, it removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide suspected of suspicious activity. It also eliminated millions of posts and pieces of content related to child exploitation. In India, Meta noted that its systems targeting suspicious links outside the platform contributed to 160,000 account deletions over six months. Its advertising guidelines explicitly ban content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also taken action by removing channels associated with child sexual abuse material identified during enforcement efforts. The platform stated it eliminated more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such content during 2026. Indian authorities are examining how prohibited advertisements bypassed platform controls through paid promotions and whether these controls comply with legal standards. Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and confirmed it took steps against related accounts, advertisements, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection inquiry remains active.