NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Authorities in India uncovered paid Instagram advertisements that directed users outside the platform to access child sexual abuse material through external links. Approximately 30 distinct ads linked to such illicit content were documented by investigators. Many of these ads led users to Telegram channels where illegal material was available for purchase, with some listings starting at 99 rupees. Meta subsequently confirmed that these advertisements breached its policies on child exploitation, removing additional ads, accounts, and related links.
In their investigation, officials established an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles containing sexually suggestive posts. Soon afterward, the platform began serving paid ads featuring explicit adult content. Subsequent advertisements included images of children in sexually suggestive contexts and contained links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts posted multiple versions of such material. These findings indicated that Instagram’s commercial advertising system had been infiltrated by prohibited content despite existing screening measures intended to flag policy violations before or after publication.
Investigators also reported a case involving a young child through Instagram’s own reporting mechanism. Initially, Instagram responded by stating that the ad did not violate its community standards. However, Meta later clarified that its automated detection systems had already identified several offending ads and had disabled related accounts. Following additional information, Meta removed further ads and blocked URLs associated with the illicit material. The company reaffirmed that its policies strictly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes minors.
Indian regulators scrutinize Meta’s protective measures
After the findings surfaced in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a response, instructing Meta to take action against advertisements and content that promote access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Authorities demanded explanations regarding how these ads circumvented Instagram’s safety protocols. The Indian government later stated it had taken the matter seriously, requesting a comprehensive reply from the platform under the country’s online safety and compliance regulations.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to various social media companies regarding the issue and initiated an inquiry involving Meta’s services. Indian legislation mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content involving minors. The Information Technology Act and its associated rules impose responsibilities on major digital platforms operating within the country. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers criminal protections against sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
Broader enforcement efforts face increased examination
Meta reports that it employs automated systems to detect accounts with suspicious activity related to children. During 2025, the company removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally for potential violations. It also eliminated millions of instances of child exploitation content from its services. In India, detection systems focused on suspicious off-platform links contributed to the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. The company’s advertising policies explicitly ban content linked to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also removed channels tied to child sexual abuse material flagged through enforcement efforts. During 2026, it deleted more than 274,000 groups and channels associated with such content. Indian authorities continue to examine how prohibited ads managed to reach users via paid promotions on Instagram. The ongoing inquiry also assesses whether platform controls adhered to legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the existence of violating ads and stated that it had taken measures against related advertisements, accounts, and URLs.