NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Instagram ran paid advertisements in India that promoted access to child sexual abuse material, prompting regulatory scrutiny and actions from Meta. Some of these advertisements directed users to Telegram channels that offered illegal content for payment. Authorities identified roughly 30 distinct ads associated with such material, with some appearing through multiple advertiser accounts. Meta subsequently confirmed that these ads breached its child exploitation policies and took steps to remove additional ads, accounts, and links related to the content.
To investigate, investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles containing sexually suggestive posts. Within days, paid ads for explicit adult content started appearing. Later advertisements featured children in sexually provocative settings and directed viewers outside Instagram. Several links led to Telegram channels that sold illegal material for as little as 99 rupees. The investigation revealed that prohibited content had infiltrated Instagram’s advertising system despite the platform’s review and enforcement procedures.
One ad involving a young child was flagged using Instagram’s internal reporting feature. Initially, Instagram responded that the ad did not violate community standards. Meta later clarified that its systems had already flagged some offending advertisements, leading to the disabling of associated accounts. After investigators provided additional evidence, Meta reviewed more content and subsequently removed further advertisements, deactivated more accounts, and blocked URLs that violated its child sexual exploitation policies.
Indian authorities demand accountability on ad oversight
Following the public release of the findings in July, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology took action against advertisements and content facilitating access to child sexual exploitative and abusive material. The ministry requested information on how such ads bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government stated it had taken the matter seriously and asked the platform to provide a detailed response under India’s online safety and platform compliance regulations.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued notices to social media companies concerning the issue and later launched an inquiry into services operated by Meta. Indian legislation mandates online intermediaries to address unlawful content and content harmful to children. The Information Technology Act and related rules impose specific obligations on major digital platforms. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act offers further legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse involving minors.
Meta’s enforcement efforts and ongoing child protection review
Meta reports utilizing automated systems to detect accounts involved in suspicious activity related to children. In 2025 alone, the company removed over 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts globally for potential misconduct. It also eliminated millions of pieces of child exploitation content across its platforms. In India, Meta indicated that its systems targeting off-platform links responsible for suspicious activity led to the removal of 160,000 accounts over six months. The company’s advertising policies explicitly prohibit content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Telegram has also taken action by removing channels linked to child sexual abuse material identified through enforcement efforts. During 2026, the platform removed more than 274,000 groups and channels connected to such material. Indian authorities are examining how these illegal ads managed to reach users via paid promotions and whether platform safeguards meet legal standards. Meta acknowledged the presence of violating ads and stated it had taken measures against related accounts, ads, and links. As of August 7, the Indian child protection investigation remains ongoing.