The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially intervened following a disturbing investigation that uncovered Instagram advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material (CSEAM). These ads reportedly linked users to external platforms where illegal, exploitative content could be purchased, prompting the government to issue a strict seven-day notice to Meta. Officials have demanded a detailed explanation regarding how such content bypassed safety filters and have ordered the immediate removal of all advertisements facilitating access to child exploitation.

This crackdown follows a BBC Eye investigation, which revealed that Instagram’s algorithms were not only hosting these illicit advertisements but, in some cases, dismissed user reports claiming the content did not violate community standards. The ministry has expressed deep concern over the potential algorithmic amplification of such material, warning that the distribution of sexual abuse content involving minors is a serious criminal offense under Section 67 (B) of the IT Act. While Meta has since stated it has suspended the involved accounts and removed the ads, the Indian government is now demanding systemic corrective measures to ensure the platform complies with local digital safety laws.