NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid ads in India that facilitated access to child sexual abuse material, prompting regulatory and Meta responses. Some of these advertisements directed users to Telegram channels that offered illegal content in exchange for payment. Investigators identified around 30 distinct ads linked to such material, with several appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta subsequently acknowledged that these ads breached its child exploitation policies and removed additional ads, accounts, and links associated with the content.
Investigators created an Instagram account in India and monitored 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. Within days, paid advertisements for explicit adult content started to appear. Later, some ads depicted children in provocative settings and redirected viewers outside Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels offering illegal material for as little as 99 rupees. The investigation revealed that forbidden content had infiltrated Instagram’s advertising system despite the platform’s review and enforcement measures.
One ad involving a young child was flagged through Instagram’s reporting feature. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not violate community standards. Meta later clarified that its systems had already detected some offensive ads, leading to the disabling of related accounts. After further investigation prompted by additional findings from the authorities, Meta removed more ads, shut down additional accounts, and blocked URLs that violated its policies on child sexual exploitation.
Indian authorities demand explanations on ad oversight
Following the public disclosure of the findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reacted by ordering action against advertisements and content that promoted access to child sexual exploitative and abusive material. The ministry also requested details on how such advertising bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. Subsequently, the Indian government stated it took the reports seriously and asked the platform intermediary for a comprehensive response under India’s online safety and platform compliance framework.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media platforms concerning the issue and later initiated an investigation involving Meta’s services. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to tackle unlawful material and content that harms minors. The Information Technology Act and related regulations assign responsibilities to leading digital platforms operating within the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act provides further legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Meta’s efforts to remove content and ongoing child protection review
Meta employs automated detection systems to identify accounts engaging in suspicious activities involving children. The company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide in 2025 for potentially suspicious behavior. It also took down millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, Meta’s systems targeting suspicious off-platform links resulted in the removal of 160,000 accounts over a six-month span. Its advertising policies strictly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also eliminated channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement actions. The company announced the removal of more than 274,000 groups and channels related to such content during 2026. Indian authorities are examining how these prohibited ads reached users via paid promotions and whether platform controls complied with legal standards. Meta confirmed that offending ads did occur and stated it had acted against related accounts, advertisements, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection inquiry remains ongoing.