NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – In India, paid Instagram ads were found promoting access to child sexual abuse material through links directing users outside the platform. Authorities identified approximately 30 separate advertisements related to such content. Several of these ads directed viewers to Telegram channels offering illegal material for purchase, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta subsequently confirmed that these ads violated its policies against child exploitation and took steps to remove additional ads, accounts, and associated links.
An Instagram account was created by investigators in India, where they followed 10 profiles posting sexually suggestive content. The platform soon began serving paid ads featuring explicit adult material. Later advertisements included images of children in sexually suggestive contexts along with links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts circulated multiple versions of such content. These findings demonstrated that prohibited material had infiltrated Instagram’s commercial advertising system, despite screening measures intended to detect policy violations before or after content went live.
Investigators also reported a case involving a young child through Instagram’s own reporting mechanism. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. Meta later clarified that its automated detection systems had already identified several offending advertisements and disabled related accounts. Upon receiving further information, Meta removed more ads and blocked URLs associated with the material. The company stated that its policies prohibit advertisements that exploit, endanger, or sexualize children.
Indian authorities demand Meta improve child safety measures
Following the release of the findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a directive to Meta urging action against ads and content promoting access to child sexual abuse material. Officials requested clarification on how these advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government emphasized that it had taken the reports seriously and asked the platform to provide a detailed response in accordance with the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also issued notices to various social media services concerning this issue. It subsequently launched an investigation involving Meta-owned platforms. Indian law mandates that online intermediaries address unlawful content involving minors. The Information Technology Act, along with related rules, lays out responsibilities for major digital services operating in the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act establishes criminal penalties to combat sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader enforcement efforts face increased scrutiny
Meta reports that it employs automated systems to detect accounts engaging in suspicious activity involving minors. During 2025, the company stated it removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide suspected of suspicious behavior, along with millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, these detection systems identified links to illegal material outside the platforms, leading to the removal of 160,000 accounts over a six-month span. Meta’s advertising policies strictly prohibit content connected to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also responded by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material flagged through enforcement activities. The company stated it eliminated more than 274,000 groups and channels associated with such content in 2026. Indian authorities remain engaged in examining how prohibited advertisements reached users via paid Instagram promotions. The investigation also assesses whether the platform’s control measures met legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and confirmed actions taken against related advertisements, accounts, and links.