The Indian government has sought an explanation from Meta over Instagram advertisements that allegedly promoted child sexual abuse material, marking the second such instance of the Centre pulling up the social media giant within a week.
Government Action
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the development on July 3, 2026, stating that the government has taken serious note of the issue. The advertisements, which appeared on Instagram, were reported by users and watchdog groups, prompting the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to issue a notice to Meta.
According to sources, the government has asked Meta to provide a detailed explanation on how such ads were allowed to run on its platform, despite existing policies against harmful content. The company has been given a timeframe to respond, failing which further regulatory action may be considered.
Second Instance in a Week
This is the second time in a week that the Indian government has called out Meta over content moderation issues. Earlier, the government had sought clarification on the spread of deepfake videos on Facebook and Instagram. The repeated actions underscore the government's increasing scrutiny of social media platforms operating in India.
Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has faced global criticism for inadequate content moderation, particularly regarding child safety. The company has invested in AI tools to detect and remove such content, but loopholes remain.
Impact and Response
The development has reignited debates on the effectiveness of self-regulation by tech companies. Child rights activists have welcomed the government's move, calling for stricter penalties for platforms that fail to protect minors. A spokesperson for Meta said the company is reviewing the notice and will cooperate with the government.
India is one of Meta's largest markets, with over 400 million users across its platforms. The government's actions signal a tougher stance on digital accountability, aligning with the upcoming Digital India Act, which proposes stricter rules for social media intermediaries.
