Government Takes Strict Action Against Meta
The Indian government has directed Meta to immediately remove all Instagram advertisements and content that promote or provide access to child sexual abuse material. Officials also asked the company to explain how such harmful advertisements were approved and displayed on the platform.
A senior official from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology confirmed that Meta has been given seven days to submit a detailed response. The government called the issue serious and stressed that online platforms must protect users, especially children, from illegal and exploitative content.
Investigation Revealed Harmful Advertisements
The action follows an investigation that uncovered paid Instagram advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material in India. Some of these advertisements reportedly directed users to Telegram channels where illegal content was offered for sale.
The findings raised concerns about the effectiveness of Meta’s content moderation system. Authorities now expect the company to strengthen its monitoring process and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meta Responds to Government Notice
Meta said it follows a zero tolerance policy against child sexual abuse material on all of its platforms. The company stated that it actively removes content that violates its policies and uses advanced artificial intelligence to detect illegal activity before users report it.
According to Meta, criminals continuously change their methods to avoid detection. The company added that it remains committed to improving its technology and safety measures to stop child exploitation online.
Telegram Removes Thousands of Illegal Communities
Telegram also responded to the issue by stating that it had removed more than 274,000 groups and channels linked to child sexual abuse material during 2026. The platform said it continues to take action against accounts involved in sharing or selling illegal content.
Authorities believe technology companies must work together to stop the spread of such material across digital platforms.
Government Seeks Greater Accountability
The Indian government has made it clear that social media companies are responsible for preventing illegal content from appearing on their platforms. Officials expect Meta to strengthen its review process for paid advertisements and improve its safety systems.
The government also wants a clear explanation of how advertisements containing child sexual abuse material passed the company’s screening process. Depending on Meta’s response, authorities may consider further action.
Stronger Online Safety Measures Expected
The incident has renewed concerns about online child safety and the responsibility of major technology companies. Experts believe stronger moderation, better artificial intelligence systems, and quicker enforcement are necessary to prevent criminals from using social media platforms for illegal activities.
The government’s latest action highlights its commitment to protecting children online and ensuring digital platforms remain safe for users. The outcome of Meta’s response could influence future regulations for online advertising and content moderation in India.
