NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – Paid Instagram advertisements in India promoted access to child sexual abuse material through links that led users outside the platform. Investigators documented about 30 separate ads connected to such content. Several ads directed users to Telegram channels where illegal material was offered for payment. Some listings started at 99 rupees. Meta later confirmed that the advertisements violated its child exploitation policies and removed further ads, accounts and associated links.
Investigators created an Instagram account in India and followed 10 profiles carrying sexually suggestive posts. Soon, the platform began serving paid advertisements for explicit adult content. Later advertisements included children in sexually suggestive situations and incorporated links to Telegram. Some advertiser accounts ran multiple variations of the material. These findings demonstrated that banned content managed to penetrate Instagram’s commercial advertising system despite screening measures intended to detect policy violations before or after publication.
Investigators also reported discovering one ad involving a young child via Instagram’s own reporting system. Initially, Instagram responded by saying the ad did not breach its community standards. Meta later stated its automated systems had already identified several offending ads and disabled related accounts. Following additional information, Meta removed more ads and blocked URLs linked to the material. The company emphasized that its policies strictly prohibit advertising that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes children.
Indian authorities push Meta to enhance safety measures
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India responded publicly after the findings emerged in July. The ministry instructed Meta to take action against ads and content that promote access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Officials also demanded explanations on how these ads bypassed Instagram’s safeguards. The Indian government later acknowledged the seriousness of the reports, requesting a comprehensive response 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 services regarding this issue. It subsequently initiated an investigation involving Meta’s platforms. Indian law mandates online intermediaries to remove illegal content involving minors. The Information Technology Act and related rules outline responsibilities for major digital platforms operating domestically. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act also establishes legal protections against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Broader oversight scrutinized through enforcement efforts
Meta states that it employs automated detection systems to identify accounts exhibiting suspicious activity involving children. During 2025, the company reported the removal of more than 4 million Facebook and Instagram accounts worldwide for potential suspicious behavior. Additionally, millions of pieces of child exploitation material were taken down across its platforms. In India, Meta noted that detection systems focusing on suspicious off-platform links contributed to the removal of 160,000 accounts within six months. Its advertising policies clearly ban content related to child sexual exploitation.
Telegram also took action by removing channels associated with child abuse material flagged during enforcement efforts. The company declared that over 274,000 groups and channels linked to such material had been deleted in 2026. Indian authorities continue to investigate how illegal advertisements reached users via paid promotions on Instagram. The ongoing inquiry also examines whether platform controls aligned with legal standards. As of August 7, Meta acknowledged the presence of offending ads and confirmed actions taken against related advertisements, accounts, and links.