Representative image NEW DELHI: Government is set to summon Meta after reports alleged paid ads on Instagram promoted child sexual abuse material in India. IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed MeitY officials to seek a formal explanation from the company, sources said Friday.Officials said MeitY will ask Meta to explain how Instagram’s review systems cleared such ads, if checks were done before they went live, and what action was taken after the matter was flagged. MeitY may seek details of the company’s ad-screening mechanism and safeguards to prevent a repeat.AI used to detect abuse but crooks hide among our 3bn users: MetaA BBC investigation said Instagram showed paid promotions in India using explicit terms and links leading users to Telegram channels where child sexual abuse materials were allegedly being sold. The report said the ads appeared on an India-based account and promotions had passed Instagram’s moderation systems. Meta said it had disabled multiple ads and accounts and blocked violating URLs, stressing it has a “zero tolerance policy for soliciting or sharing CSAM (child sex abuse material), including in ads”.A Meta spokesperson told TOI the company uses “advanced AI technology to proactively detect violating content and individuals”, but added that it remains “in a constant battle with criminals who hide among our 3.5 billion users and try to evade our detection”.Under India’s IT framework, intermediaries are required to act against harmful content, particularly material involving sexual exploitation of children. Govt sources said ads, unlike ordinary posts, are expected to pass through pre-publication review. “The platform will have to explain how paid content of this nature could appear despite its stated policies,” a source said.The controversy comes amid the Centre’s push to hold platforms accountable for online harms, including content targeting children, obscene material, deepfakes and cyber-enabled abuse. Meta said its teams are continuously working to improve its defences, develop new technology to identify predators, block links to violating websites and share intel with other companies to help curb child exploitation online.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Directs Apple, Google To Remove 7 Apps From Their Stores Over E-Rickshaw Shutdown ScareCentre To Summon Meta Over Instagram Ads Promoting Child Sexual Abuse: Report’Police Are Not Servants Of CM Or PM’: Bombay High Court Quashes SDPI Leader’s ExternmentFour Former AIADMK Ministers Switch To TVK; Fresh Political Churn Leaves Six Assembly Seats VacantKarur Stampede Flashpoint: TVK-DMK Clash; Former CM Allegedly Blamed For Loss Of LivesTwin-Flower Symbol Under Threat As EC Examines Mamata And Ritabrata Faction ClaimsRam Mandir Donation Row Deepens As Vinay Katiyar Claims Trust Officials Could Face Jail’Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’SC Raises Questions But Grants Relief To Sonam In Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case Appeal’Will Surrender Before Court’: Jailed Gangster Anmol Bishnoi Wants To Join Salman Khan Firing Trial123PhotostoriesFrom his bond with Dilip Joshi to watching IPL match with SRK in his vanity: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s Goli aka Kush Shah spoke about his journey8 traditional South Indian rice dishes for a light, healthy summer dinner (with calories)BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Tamannaah Bhatia serve Yin and Yang-inspired ensembles at the Shiseido launch eventMany men ignore these symptoms until it’s too late: Doctor explain the warning signs of prostate problemsGood or bad? Here’s what psychology really says about live-in relationshipsAlia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh just declared utility dressing the ultimate ‘Alpha’ promotion uniformWhat happens before prayers are answered? 5 signs mentioned in spiritual traditions7 traditional Indian foods that can naturally improve your gut health, according to nutritionist10 types of travel partners that can turn a dream trip into hard workHusband filed for divorce? Here are 7 legal rights he cannot take away from wife123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan
NEW DELHI: Government is set to summon Meta after reports alleged paid ads on Instagram promoted child sexual abuse material in India. IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed MeitY officials to seek a formal explanation from the company, sources said Friday.Officials said MeitY will ask Meta to explain how Instagram’s review systems cleared such ads, if checks were done before they went live, and what action was taken after the matter was flagged. MeitY may seek details of the company’s ad-screening mechanism and safeguards to prevent a repeat.
AI used to detect abuse but crooks hide among our 3bn users: Meta
A BBC investigation said Instagram showed paid promotions in India using explicit terms and links leading users to Telegram channels where child sexual abuse materials were allegedly being sold. The report said the ads appeared on an India-based account and promotions had passed Instagram’s moderation systems. Meta said it had disabled multiple ads and accounts and blocked violating URLs, stressing it has a “zero tolerance policy for soliciting or sharing CSAM (child sex abuse material), including in ads”.A Meta spokesperson told TOI the company uses “advanced AI technology to proactively detect violating content and individuals”, but added that it remains “in a constant battle with criminals who hide among our 3.5 billion users and try to evade our detection”.Under India’s IT framework, intermediaries are required to act against harmful content, particularly material involving sexual exploitation of children. Govt sources said ads, unlike ordinary posts, are expected to pass through pre-publication review. “The platform will have to explain how paid content of this nature could appear despite its stated policies,” a source said.The controversy comes amid the Centre’s push to hold platforms accountable for online harms, including content targeting children, obscene material, deepfakes and cyber-enabled abuse. Meta said its teams are continuously working to improve its defences, develop new technology to identify predators, block links to violating websites and share intel with other companies to help curb child exploitation online.