NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – The exposure of Instagram ads promoting access to child sexual abuse material has prompted investigations in India, revealing that such paid promotions led users outside the platform through links. Authorities documented roughly 30 distinct ads associated with this illegal content. Several of these ads directed viewers to Telegram channels offering illicit material for purchase, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta later acknowledged that these advertisements breached its policies on child exploitation and subsequently removed related ads, accounts, and connected links.
In response, investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles posting sexually suggestive content. The platform rapidly began serving paid ads for explicit adult material. Later advertisements depicted children in sexually provocative contexts and included links to Telegram. Multiple advertiser accounts circulated more than one version of such content. The findings indicated that prohibited material had infiltrated Instagram’s commercial advertising system despite screening measures meant to flag policy violations prior to or after posting.
Investigators also identified one ad involving a young child through Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not violate its community standards. However, Meta later confirmed that its automated detection systems had already flagged several offending ads, leading to the disabling of related accounts. After acquiring additional details, Meta removed more ads and blocked URLs associated with the illicit material. The company emphasized that its policies strictly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes minors.
Indian authorities challenge Meta over platform protections
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 that facilitate access to child sexual exploitative and abusive material. Officials demanded clarification on how such advertisements bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later stated that it had taken the reports very seriously, requesting a comprehensive explanation from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
Additionally, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to multiple social media entities concerning the issue. It subsequently launched an inquiry involving Meta’s services. Indian law mandates that online intermediaries must address unlawful content involving minors. The Information Technology Act and related regulations establish responsibilities for large digital platforms operating domestically. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act also criminalizes sexual exploitation and abuse of minors, providing further legal safeguards.
Broader scrutiny over enforcement efforts intensifies
Meta states that it employs automated systems to detect suspicious activity involving children. The company reported removing over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide in 2025 due to potentially suspicious behavior. It also took down millions of instances of child exploitation material across its platforms. In India, Meta’s detection systems, which focus on suspicious off-platform links, contributed to removing 160,000 accounts during a six-month span. Its advertising policies strictly ban content related to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also took steps by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement operations. The platform announced the removal of more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such content in 2026. Indian authorities are continuing to investigate how prohibited ads managed to reach users through paid promotions on Instagram. The ongoing inquiry also assesses whether platform controls complied with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and stated it had taken action against related advertisements, accounts, and links.