The Central government has sought an explanation from Meta after allegations surfaced that paid advertisements on Instagram were being used to promote or direct users to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM). The company has been instructed to respond within seven days, according to sources cited by ANI.

Officials said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed the social media platform to immediately remove any advertisements or content that encourages, facilitates or provides access to such illegal material. The move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen online child safety and ensure digital platforms comply with Indian laws.

The action follows a BBC Eye investigation that claimed Instagram carried sponsored advertisements containing explicit search terms related to child sexual abuse. According to the report, users who interacted with these advertisements were allegedly redirected to Telegram channels where illegal material was being offered for sale at low prices. The investigation also stated that the advertisements had successfully passed Instagram's content moderation process before being displayed.

To examine Instagram's recommendation system, BBC Eye reportedly created a test account in India using a fictitious identity. After following a small number of accounts sharing sexually suggestive content, the account allegedly began receiving advertisements promoting explicit material. Within days, it was also shown advertisements that appeared to involve minors and included links directing users to external messaging platforms.

The investigation claimed to have identified dozens of advertisements allegedly linked to child sexual exploitation, along with several others promoting adult pornographic content. Some of the advertisements reportedly depicted minors in sexually explicit or exploitative situations, raising serious concerns over the platform's advertising review mechanisms.

Following questions from the BBC, Meta said it had taken action by removing a number of the advertisements, suspending the associated accounts and blocking web links connected to content that violated its policies. The company acknowledged that while its moderation systems are designed to detect harmful material, they may not prevent every policy violation.

Meta said it continues to rely on automated detection tools and user reports to identify prohibited content even after advertisements have been approved. The company also stated that whenever it identifies apparent child exploitation, it reports the material to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Government sources said MeitY is now awaiting Meta's detailed response regarding the alleged lapses. Authorities have reiterated that all content or advertisements facilitating access to child sexual exploitation material must be removed without delay, and that online platforms are expected to maintain robust safeguards against such illegal activity.