NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Paid Instagram advertisements in India were used to promote access to child sexual abuse material through links that directed users outside the platform. Investigators identified approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such illegal content. Many of these ads directed users to Telegram channels where illicit material was offered in exchange for payment, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta later confirmed that these advertisements violated its policies on child exploitation and proceeded to remove additional ads, accounts, and related links.
To investigate further, investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles featuring sexually suggestive posts. Soon after, the platform began serving paid advertisements for explicit adult content. Subsequent ads displayed children in sexually provocative settings and included links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts circulated multiple variations of such material. The findings indicated that prohibited content had infiltrated Instagram’s commercial advertising system despite screening measures designed to detect policy violations either prior to or after publication.
Investigators also reported discovering one advertisement involving a young child 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 detection systems had already identified several offending ads, resulting in the disabling of related accounts. After obtaining more information, Meta removed additional ads and blocked URLs associated with the illicit material. The company emphasized that its policies explicitly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities confront Meta over platform safeguards
Following the public disclosure of these findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology responded by instructing Meta to take action against advertisements and content that promote access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials also sought information regarding how these ads bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government subsequently stated that it had taken these reports very seriously. Authorities demanded a comprehensive response from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to various social media platforms regarding this issue and later launched an inquiry involving Meta’s services. Indian law obligates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving minors. The Information Technology Act and related regulations assign specific responsibilities to major digital platforms operating within the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act establishes legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader scrutiny of enforcement efforts intensifies
Meta states that it relies on automated systems to detect accounts involved in suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally for potentially suspicious behavior, alongside millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, Meta indicated that detection systems focusing on suspicious off-platform links contributed to the removal of 160,000 accounts in a six-month span. Its advertising policies strictly prohibit content linked to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also took action by removing channels connected to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. The platform announced that it eliminated more than 274,000 groups and channels related to such content during 2026. Indian authorities continue to investigate how these prohibited advertisements bypassed controls to reach users through paid Instagram promotions. The inquiry also assesses whether platform safeguards complied with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and stated that it had taken measures against related advertisements, accounts, and links.