NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – In India, paid Instagram advertisements were used to direct users outside the platform to access child sexual abuse material via links. Authorities documented approximately 30 separate ads associated with such content. Several of these ads directed users to Telegram channels where illegal material was available for purchase, with some listings priced starting at 99 rupees. Meta later 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 to follow 10 profiles posting sexually suggestive content. The platform subsequently displayed paid advertisements promoting explicit adult material. Later advertisements featured minors in provocative scenarios and included links directing to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts posted multiple versions of such content. The investigation revealed that prohibited material had entered Instagram’s commercial advertising system despite existing screening measures intended to detect violations before or after publication.
Investigators also reported a single case of an advertisement involving a young child, flagged through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. However, Meta later stated that its automated systems had already identified several offending advertisements and disabled the related accounts. Following further information, Meta removed more ads and blocked URLs associated with the illegal content. The company emphasized that its policies prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities push Meta to strengthen platform safeguards
After the findings became public in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by instructing Meta to take action against ads and content that facilitate access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials requested information on how these ads bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later stated it had taken the reports seriously and sought a detailed explanation from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights separately issued notices to social media companies concerning this issue, eventually initiating an inquiry involving Meta’s services. Indian legislation mandates that online intermediaries address unlawful content involving minors. The Information Technology Act, along with its regulations, outlines responsibilities for major digital platforms operating within the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act establishes criminal penalties for sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader investigations reveal extensive enforcement efforts
Meta states it employs automated tools to detect accounts exhibiting suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potential violations. It also eliminated millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, detection systems targeting suspicious off-platform links led to the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. The company’s advertising rules explicitly prohibit content linked to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also responded by removing channels associated with child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement actions. The platform announced the removal of more than 274,000 groups and channels linked to such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue to investigate how prohibited ads reached users via paid promotions on Instagram, including assessing whether platform controls met legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and confirmed actions taken against related advertisements, accounts, and links.