The Indian government will await Meta's formal response before taking a final decision on the notice issued to the company over child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) on Instagram, Information Technology Secretary said on Wednesday.
Government's stance on Meta notice
Speaking to reporters, the IT Secretary stated, "We have issued a notice to Meta. We will wait for their formal reply and accordingly take a view." The notice was sent by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Saturday, ordering Instagram to immediately disable all advertisements and content that promote or facilitate access to CSEAM.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of illegal content on social media platforms, particularly those targeting minors. The government has emphasized that platforms must adhere to Indian laws and ensure a safe online environment.
Details of the notice
The notice explicitly directs Instagram to remove any content that violates the Information Technology Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. It also warns of strict action if compliance is not met within a specified timeframe. The government has been increasingly vigilant about online safety, especially after several reports highlighted the misuse of social media for child exploitation.
Meta, which owns Instagram, has not yet issued a public statement on the notice. However, the company has previously stated its commitment to combating child exploitation through automated tools and human review.
Impact and next steps
If Meta fails to comply, the government may impose penalties or take further legal action. The IT Secretary's remarks indicate a cautious approach, allowing the company to present its case before any enforcement. This development is part of a broader global push to hold tech giants accountable for content on their platforms.
