Centre orders Meta to remove Instagram child abuse ads, seeks explanation within 7 days
The Central government has issued a stern notice to Meta, directing the company to immediately remove all Instagram advertisements and content that promote or facilitate access to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM).
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also asked the social media giant to submit a detailed explanation within seven days on how such content appeared on the platform and the steps being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to government sources, the action follows reports that paid Instagram advertisements were allegedly directing users to external platforms hosting illegal child sexual abuse material. Authorities have expressed serious concern over the alleged algorithmic promotion of such content and instructed Meta to take immediate corrective measures to stop its dissemination.
The notice marks one of the strongest actions taken by the Centre against a social media platform over online child safety. The government has emphasised that digital platforms must ensure robust content moderation systems and comply with Indian laws to prevent the spread of illegal and exploitative material. Meta is expected to respond within the stipulated seven-day deadline.
