The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has started an investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation and abuse material advertisements on Instagram. The commission has summoned Meta India’s Managing Director and Country Head on September 9.
NCPCR took suo motu action after a BBC Eye media report highlighted the issue. Earlier, the commission sent a notice to Meta Platforms Inc regarding the alleged CSEAM advertisements.
The commission will examine how such advertisements reached Instagram systems. It will also investigate how these advertisements received approval from the platform.
Meta Received Notice On July 3 Over Alleged Advertisements
NCPCR issued a notice to Meta Platforms Inc on July 3, 2026, after reviewing the BBC Eye report. The commission sought responses and required documents from Meta regarding alleged CSEAM-related advertisements. Meta submitted its response around one week later. However, NCPCR decided to begin a formal investigation to understand the facts behind the matter.
During the inquiry, officials will examine Meta India’s role and platform processes. They will also study why such a situation occurred.
The investigation will consider strict provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. However, NCPCR officials have not shared detailed information about Meta’s response.
NHRC Also Examining Alleged Instagram CSEAM Spread
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also started examining the alleged spread of CSEAM on Instagram. Last week, NHRC sent notices to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Both ministries received two weeks to submit their responses. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the investigation goes beyond identifying people who uploaded objectionable content.
According to him, the probe will also examine platform systems. It will study how editorial and publishing processes create, select, distribute, promote, or monetise content.
Meta Says It Follows Zero Tolerance Policy
Earlier, Meta stated that it follows a zero tolerance policy against child exploitation. The company said it removed advertisements and accounts that violated its rules. Meta also claimed that its detection systems helped remove more than 1.6 lakh suspected accounts in India during the last six months.
Furthermore, Meta denied intentionally showing such advertisements to people displaying inappropriate interest in children. The company did not provide a response after NCPCR summoned Meta India’s senior officials.
