NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Paid Instagram ads in India facilitated access to child sexual abuse material via links directing users outside the platform. Authorities identified approximately 30 distinct ads connected to such illegal content. Many of these advertisements led users to Telegram channels where unlawful material was available for purchase. Some listings started at 99 rupees. Meta subsequently acknowledged that these ads violated its child exploitation policies and removed additional ads, accounts, and associated links.
An Instagram account was created by investigators in India, through which 10 profiles exhibiting sexually suggestive posts were followed. Soon after, the platform began serving paid ads for explicit adult content. Later advertisements showed children in sexually provocative settings and included links to Telegram. Multiple advertiser accounts posted various versions of the prohibited material. The investigation revealed that content banned by policy had infiltrated Instagram’s commercial advertising system, despite screening measures designed to detect violations prior to or after posting.
One advertisement involving a young child was also flagged through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not breach its community standards. However, Meta later explained that its automated detection systems had already identified several problematic advertisements, leading to the disabling of related accounts. Upon further review, Meta removed additional ads and blocked URLs linked to the illicit material. The company affirmed that its policies strictly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes minors.
Indian authorities challenge Meta over platform safeguards
Following the public disclosure of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by directing Meta to take action against advertisements and content that promote access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials demanded detailed information regarding how these ads bypassed Instagram’s safety measures. The Indian government later stated it had taken the reports very seriously and requested a comprehensive reply from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
Separately, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media providers on this matter and subsequently launched an inquiry involving Meta’s services. Indian law obligates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving minors, as outlined by the Information Technology Act and related rules. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act establishes criminal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader scrutiny arises from enforcement actions
Meta states it employs automated systems to detect accounts involved in suspicious activity concerning children. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally for potentially suspicious behavior. It also eliminated millions of instances of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India alone, Meta’s detection systems targeting suspicious off-platform links resulted in approximately 160,000 account removals over a six-month period. Its advertising policies explicitly prohibit content related to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also took action by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. The platform reported deleting more than 274,000 groups and channels related to such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue to investigate how prohibited advertisements managed to reach users via paid promotions on Instagram. The inquiry extends to whether the platform’s controls complied with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and stated it had taken measures against associated ads, accounts, and links.