NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – In India, authorities uncovered paid Instagram advertisements that directed users to child sexual abuse material via external links. Investigators identified approximately 30 separate ads linked to such illicit content. Multiple ads led users to Telegram channels where illegal material was accessible for purchase, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta later acknowledged that these ads violated its policies on child exploitation and subsequently removed additional ads, accounts, and related links.
An Instagram account was created by investigators in India, which followed 10 profiles posting sexually suggestive content. Soon after, the platform began showing paid ads for explicit adult material. Later advertisements depicted children in sexually suggestive scenarios and included links to Telegram. Several advertiser accounts posted multiple versions of such content. The investigation revealed that banned material managed to bypass Instagram’s screening processes intended to detect policy violations before or after publication.
One ad involving a young child was also reported through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded by stating the ad did not breach its community standards. Meta later clarified that its automated detection systems had already flagged several offending ads and disabled the related accounts. After further investigation, Meta removed additional ads and blocked URLs linked to the illicit material, reaffirming that its policies strictly prohibit exploiting, endangering, or sexualizing children in advertising.
Indian authorities hold Meta accountable over platform safeguards
Following the public release of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by instructing Meta to take action against ads and content promoting access to child sexual abuse material. Officials also requested information on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safety measures. The Indian government later confirmed it was seriously concerned and sought a detailed explanation from the platform in accordance with the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued separate notices to social media firms regarding the issue and launched an inquiry into Meta’s services. Indian law obliges online intermediaries to address illegal content involving minors, with the Information Technology Act and related regulations establishing the responsibilities of major digital platforms operating locally. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act enforces criminal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader enforcement efforts come under increased scrutiny
Meta states it employs automated systems to detect suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potentially suspicious behavior. It also took down millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, Meta indicated that detection systems targeting suspicious off-platform links led to the removal of 160,000 accounts within six months. Its advertising policies explicitly prohibit content connected to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also participated in removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement actions. The company announced the removal of over 274,000 groups and channels connected to such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue their investigation into how paid Instagram ads containing prohibited material reached users. The inquiry also assesses whether platform controls adhered to legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and confirmed that it had acted against related advertisements, accounts, and links.