The Centre has issued a notice to Meta following allegations that paid advertisements on Instagram promoted child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM). The company has been asked to remove such content and explain how it appeared on the platform.
Government sources said the notice was sent on Saturday evening, a day after Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw instructed officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to summon Meta over the issue.
According to sources, MeitY has directed Instagram to take down all advertisements and content linked to CSEAM or those that facilitate access to such material. The ministry has also sought details of the action taken by the company and asked Meta to submit a detailed response within seven days.
The move comes after a recent BBC investigation alleged that Meta’s recommendation system promoted videos involving child sexual abuse material. The report also claimed that paid advertisements appeared on Facebook and Instagram despite the company’s rules against sexually explicit content. Some of the advertisements reportedly used terms like “rape video” and “child video” and redirected users to Telegram channels where such material was allegedly being sold.
Officials are likely to seek clarification from Meta on how these advertisements were approved, what action was taken after the allegations surfaced, and what measures are being introduced to stop similar incidents in the future.
Sources further said that Meta may not be able to claim protection as an intermediary if the issue involves paid advertisements that generate revenue for the platform. If the allegations are proven, the company could face accountability for allowing such advertisements, they added.
While MeitY is examining the technical and regulatory aspects of the matter, authorities indicated that legal action could also be taken against advertisers or other platforms if any violation of Indian laws is established.
The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on child sexual abuse material and has repeatedly emphasised that online platforms must identify, remove and report such content without delay. Officials also noted that India has previously blocked websites hosting CSAM based on information received through Interpol via the Central Bureau of Investigation, which serves as the country’s nodal agency.
This is the second time this week that Meta has come under government scrutiny. Earlier, the Centre raised concerns over the company’s proposed username feature for WhatsApp, warning that it could lead to phishing, impersonation and other forms of cyber fraud. Meta was asked to pause the rollout until discussions are completed and to explain why action should not be taken under the Information Technology Act and related rules.
The company is expected to submit its response within the given timeframe.