The Indian government has escalated its scrutiny of Meta after allegations surfaced that paid advertisements on Instagram were promoting child sexual abuse material, triggering urgent action from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). In a significant move, the Centre has directed the social media giant to immediately disable all advertisements and content that promote or facilitate access to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), underscoring its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes involving children in the digital space.
The notice, issued on Saturday evening, marks one of the strongest regulatory responses by the government against a major technology platform in recent months. It follows IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s directive asking MeitY officials to summon Meta after serious allegations emerged that Instagram advertisements were being used to direct users towards child sexual abuse content.
According to government sources, MeitY has demanded a detailed explanation from Meta within seven days. The ministry has also sought comprehensive information on the steps the company has already taken to remove the alleged advertisements, prevent their recurrence, and strengthen its content moderation systems.
The latest action reflects growing concern within the government over the ability of digital platforms to identify and block harmful content before it reaches users. Officials have reportedly asked Meta to explain how such advertisements received approval despite the company’s publicly stated advertising policies that prohibit sexually explicit content, nudity, and any material involving child exploitation.
The controversy gained momentum after a BBC investigation alleged that Meta’s recommendation systems had promoted videos containing child sexual abuse material. The report also claimed that paid advertisements appeared on Facebook and Instagram using disturbing search terms such as “rape video” and “child video.” According to the investigation, these advertisements allegedly redirected users to Telegram channels where such illegal content was reportedly being sold.
Government officials believe the allegations raise serious questions about the effectiveness of Meta’s internal moderation mechanisms. They are expected to seek clarity on the company’s review process for paid advertisements, the safeguards currently in place, and the additional measures planned to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Officials familiar with the matter have emphasized that the company cannot simply rely on the argument that advertisers are third parties. Since paid advertisements generate revenue for the platform, authorities believe Meta could be held accountable if investigations establish that advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material were allowed to run.
One government source said that if the allegations prove to be true, the platform will have to answer for the advertisements because it earns revenue from them. The source added that the issue extends beyond content moderation and raises broader questions about corporate responsibility and digital platform accountability.
While MeitY will examine the technical, regulatory, and legal dimensions of the case, officials noted that individuals, agencies, or competent authorities may also pursue legal complaints if they believe offences under Indian law have been committed. Such complaints could potentially trigger investigations under the Information Technology Act and other applicable criminal laws.
India has consistently maintained a strict approach toward Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM). Authorities regularly require online intermediaries to detect, remove, and report such content while strengthening safeguards designed to protect children from online exploitation. The government has also blocked numerous websites hosting child sexual abuse material based on information shared by Interpol through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India’s designated national nodal agency for Interpol.
The latest notice reinforces the government’s message that digital platforms operating in India are expected to exercise greater responsibility in monitoring harmful content. Officials have repeatedly warned technology companies that failures in content moderation, especially involving child safety, could attract legal consequences and increased regulatory oversight.
The development also comes at a time when Meta is already facing heightened scrutiny from Indian regulators over another issue involving WhatsApp. Earlier this week, the Centre questioned the company’s proposed username feature, expressing concerns that it could make phishing attacks, impersonation attempts, online fraud, and so-called “digital arrest” scams easier to execute.
The government subsequently directed Meta to suspend the rollout of the WhatsApp username feature until consultations with authorities are completed to their satisfaction. Sources indicated that the company has agreed to defer the launch while discussions continue.
Following the government’s notice, representatives from Meta met officials at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to discuss the proposed WhatsApp feature. The company is also expected to submit its detailed response within the timeline specified by the ministry.
Officials have reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary under Indian law, must comply with due diligence obligations laid down under the Information Technology Act and its associated rules. The Centre has sought an explanation regarding why action should not be initiated if the proposed feature increases cybercrime risks.
Together, the two regulatory actions signal a broader push by the Indian government to hold major technology companies more accountable for the safety, security, and integrity of their platforms. As social media services continue to play a central role in public communication, commerce, and information sharing, authorities appear determined to ensure that digital intermediaries adopt stronger safeguards against illegal content and emerging online threats.
The outcome of the government’s latest notice to Meta could shape future enforcement standards for online platforms operating in India. With child protection remaining a national priority, regulators are expected to closely monitor the company’s response and assess whether its existing moderation systems meet the level of accountability now being demanded in one of the world’s largest digital markets.