NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Paid Instagram advertisements in India promoted access to child sexual abuse material through links that directed users outside the platform. Authorities identified approximately 30 distinct ads connected to such content. Several of these ads led users to Telegram channels where illegal material was available for purchase. Some listings started at 99 rupees. Meta later confirmed that these ads violated its child exploitation policies and took action by removing further ads, accounts, and related links.
Investigators set up an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. The platform soon served paid advertisements for explicit adult content. Subsequent ads displayed children in suggestive scenarios and included links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts posted multiple variations of the inappropriate material. The investigation revealed that banned content had entered Instagram’s commercial advertising system, despite screening measures meant to catch policy violations before or after publication.
Investigators also reported discovering one ad involving a young child through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. Meta later stated that its automated systems had already detected several offending ads and disabled the related accounts. After receiving more information, Meta removed additional ads and blocked URLs linked to the content. The company emphasized that its rules prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities challenge Meta over safety measures
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded after the findings became public in July. The ministry directed Meta to act against ads and content promoting access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials also asked for details on how these advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later stated it had taken the reports seriously. Authorities requested a detailed reply from the intermediary under the country’s online safety and compliance rules.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media platforms over this issue. It later launched an inquiry involving Meta’s services. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving children. The Information Technology Act and its rules outline the responsibilities of large digital platforms operating locally. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act also offers criminal protections against minors’ sexual exploitation and abuse.
Enforcement efforts face increased scrutiny
Meta states it uses automated systems to identify accounts with suspicious activity involving children. The company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide during 2025 for potentially suspicious behavior. It also took down millions of instances of child exploitation content. In India, Meta said detection systems targeting suspicious off-platform links led to 160,000 account removals over six months. Its advertising policies explicitly ban content related to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also took action by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. The platform reported removing more than 274,000 groups and channels associated with such content in 2026. Indian authorities are continuing their investigation into how prohibited ads reached users through paid Instagram promotions. The inquiry also assesses whether platform controls met legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and confirmed it had taken action against related ads, accounts, and links.