NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Paid Instagram advertisements in India facilitated access to child sexual abuse material by linking users to external sites. Authorities identified approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such content, with several directing users to Telegram channels where illegal material was available for purchase, some starting at 99 rupees. Meta later confirmed these ads violated its policies on child exploitation, removing further advertisements, accounts, and associated links.
Investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. The platform soon displayed paid ads for explicit adult content, and subsequent advertisements showed minors in sexually suggestive contexts with links to Telegram. Multiple ads originated from the same advertiser accounts, illustrating that prohibited material bypassed Instagram’s screening measures designed to detect policy violations before or after posting.
One such case involved a young child, reported through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach community standards. However, Meta later stated that automated detection systems had already flagged several offending ads, leading to the disablement of related accounts. After further review, Meta removed additional ads and blocked URLs linked to the material, reaffirming that its policies prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities scrutinize Meta’s safeguards after public reports
Following the public release of the findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology instructed Meta to take action against ads and content promoting access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The ministry sought details on how such ads bypassed Instagram’s safety measures. The Indian government later confirmed it was taking these reports seriously, requesting a comprehensive response from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media companies and launched an inquiry into Meta’s services. Indian legislation mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving minors, with the Information Technology Act and related rules outlining their responsibilities. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act also establishes criminal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse involving minors.
Broader enforcement efforts face increased scrutiny
Meta reports that it relies on automated systems to detect accounts engaging in suspicious activity related to children. In 2025, the company removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potential violations. It also eliminated millions of instances of child exploitation content across its platforms. Specifically, in India, detection systems targeting suspicious off-platform links contributed to the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. Meta’s advertising policies explicitly prohibit content connected to child sexual exploitation.
Additionally, Telegram removed channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. The platform stated that it eliminated over 274,000 groups and channels associated with such material in 2026. Indian authorities continue investigating how these prohibited ads were able to reach users via paid Instagram promotions and whether platform controls comply with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the violations, affirming that it had taken action against related ads, accounts, and links.