Centre cracks down on Instagram over child sexual abuse content NEW DELHI: The Centre has directed Meta to immediately disable all Instagram advertisements and content that promote or facilitate access to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), while issuing a stern notice to the company over the alleged presence of such content in paid advertisements on the platform.According to sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has ordered Instagram to remove all paid ads and related content linked to CSEAM and has sought immediate corrective action.The government has also given Meta seven days to submit a detailed explanation on the issue.Sources said the paid advertisements on Instagram were allegedly being used to direct users to external platforms hosting unlawful child sexual abuse material.The Centre is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, particularly the alleged “algorithmic amplification” of sexually exploitative content through the platform. It has directed Meta to take immediate steps to prevent the promotion and dissemination of such material.The notice comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of social media platforms to distribute and facilitate access to illegal child sexual abuse content.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots CaseSTORY GOVT DEBUNKS E20 FUEL MYTHS 10-POINT CLARIFICATIONFresh Blow To Mamata Camp As Bengal Chief Quits During Intensifying TMC Power Struggle123PhotostoriesFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trustWhy rainy days create some of childhood’s happiest memories, according to psychologyEver wondered why every loaf of bread has two end slices? Here’s the real reasonWatch your skin for kidney disease signs5 simple habits for heart that can actually protect your arteries and prevent plaque build upShould you eat breakfast within an hour of waking up? Experts reveal the truth behind the popular morning rule12 Indian fruits ranked from highest to lowest proteinLiver cancer doesn’t always announce itself: The early symptoms many people missA chair may be one of the most dangerous places for your heart: Cardiologist explains the risks of sitting too long123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan
NEW DELHI: The Centre has directed Meta to immediately disable all Instagram advertisements and content that promote or facilitate access to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), while issuing a stern notice to the company over the alleged presence of such content in paid advertisements on the platform.According to sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has ordered Instagram to remove all paid ads and related content linked to CSEAM and has sought immediate corrective action.The government has also given Meta seven days to submit a detailed explanation on the issue.Sources said the paid advertisements on Instagram were allegedly being used to direct users to external platforms hosting unlawful child sexual abuse material.The Centre is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, particularly the alleged “algorithmic amplification” of sexually exploitative content through the platform. It has directed Meta to take immediate steps to prevent the promotion and dissemination of such material.The notice comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of social media platforms to distribute and facilitate access to illegal child sexual abuse content.