Instagram ads allegedly linked users to illegal child sexual abuse material. Now India's child rights body wants answers from Meta.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned Meta India Managing Director Arun Srinivas to appear in person on September 9 over an ongoing inquiry into Instagram advertisements allegedly facilitating access to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
The proceedings come after an investigation found that Instagram had carried advertisements using explicit search terms linked to illegal sexual content involving children. The case has raised questions about how such advertisements were approved, distributed and detected on the platform.
Investigation Triggered by BBC Eye Report
The NCPCR's action followed an investigation by BBC Eye earlier this year, which found advertisements on Instagram containing terms such as "rape video" and "child video." According to the investigation, some of the advertisements redirected users to external Telegram channels allegedly involved in trading illicit material.
The investigation also found that when an advertisement was initially flagged, Instagram said it did not violate its community standards.
After the BBC findings were published, Meta removed several advertisements, disabled multiple accounts and blocked URL links that violated its policies.
What the NCPCR Hearing Will Examine
The hearing is being led by NCPCR Chairperson Valeti Premchand at the commission's headquarters in New Delhi.
The NCPCR has powers similar to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. These powers allow the commission to summon individuals, require their attendance and seek the production of documents during its proceedings.
The inquiry is expected to examine Instagram's advertising systems, content moderation practices and the technical mechanisms used to identify and remove illegal material.
A representative from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is also expected to attend the proceedings to examine issues related to technical compliance and enforcement under Indian law.
Earlier Notices and Regulatory Action
The summons marks a further escalation in scrutiny of Meta's systems and its responsibility to prevent illegal content from reaching users.
- MeitY Action: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had earlier summoned Meta executive leadership on July 3 over concerns about system vulnerabilities that could allow illegal promotional material to circulate.
- NCPCR Notice: On July 4, the NCPCR took formal cognizance of the matter and directed Meta to immediately disable Instagram advertisements and related content that promote or facilitate access to CSAM.
What the Case Means for Digital Safety
The case highlights growing regulatory concern over the role of automated advertising systems in distributing harmful and illegal content.
For platforms such as Instagram, the issue goes beyond individual posts or advertisements. It raises questions about whether automated systems can reliably identify high-risk content before it reaches users and whether platforms have adequate safeguards when such material is reported.
The NCPCR proceedings could also put greater focus on how technology companies monitor advertisements, respond to complaints and comply with India's child-protection laws.
As regulators increasingly examine the systems behind online content distribution, the outcome of the inquiry could influence future standards for platform moderation, advertising controls and accountability in India's digital ecosystem.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned Meta India Managing Director Arun Srinivas to appear in person on September 9 over an ongoing inquiry into Instagram advertisements allegedly facilitating access to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
The proceedings come after an investigation found that Instagram had carried advertisements using explicit search terms linked to illegal sexual content involving children. The case has raised questions about how such advertisements were approved, distributed and detected on the platform.
Investigation Triggered by BBC Eye Report
The NCPCR's action followed an investigation by BBC Eye earlier this year, which found advertisements on Instagram containing terms such as "rape video" and "child video." According to the investigation, some of the advertisements redirected users to external Telegram channels allegedly involved in trading illicit material.
The investigation also found that when an advertisement was initially flagged, Instagram said it did not violate its community standards.
After the BBC findings were published, Meta removed several advertisements, disabled multiple accounts and blocked URL links that violated its policies.
What the NCPCR Hearing Will Examine
The hearing is being led by NCPCR Chairperson Valeti Premchand at the commission's headquarters in New Delhi.
The NCPCR has powers similar to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. These powers allow the commission to summon individuals, require their attendance and seek the production of documents during its proceedings.
The inquiry is expected to examine Instagram's advertising systems, content moderation practices and the technical mechanisms used to identify and remove illegal material.
A representative from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is also expected to attend the proceedings to examine issues related to technical compliance and enforcement under Indian law.
Earlier Notices and Regulatory Action
The summons marks a further escalation in scrutiny of Meta's systems and its responsibility to prevent illegal content from reaching users.
- MeitY Action: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had earlier summoned Meta executive leadership on July 3 over concerns about system vulnerabilities that could allow illegal promotional material to circulate.
- NCPCR Notice: On July 4, the NCPCR took formal cognizance of the matter and directed Meta to immediately disable Instagram advertisements and related content that promote or facilitate access to CSAM.
What the Case Means for Digital Safety
The case highlights growing regulatory concern over the role of automated advertising systems in distributing harmful and illegal content.
For platforms such as Instagram, the issue goes beyond individual posts or advertisements. It raises questions about whether automated systems can reliably identify high-risk content before it reaches users and whether platforms have adequate safeguards when such material is reported.
The NCPCR proceedings could also put greater focus on how technology companies monitor advertisements, respond to complaints and comply with India's child-protection laws.
As regulators increasingly examine the systems behind online content distribution, the outcome of the inquiry could influence future standards for platform moderation, advertising controls and accountability in India's digital ecosystem.
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