NHRC takes cognisance of 'paid ads' on Meta platform 'promoting' access to child sexual abuse material
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an inquiry into Meta after reports alleged that Instagram advertisements were promoting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The commission has demanded detailed reports from Indian government ministries and the Delhi Police regarding compliance with the POCSO Act.
Why it matters
This highlights critical concerns regarding platform accountability, content moderation, and the protection of minors online.
The NHRC has taken cognisance of reports alleging that paid advertisements displayed on a social media platform, owned and operated by Meta, promoted o r facilitated access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in India , officials said on Thursday (September 3, 2026).
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought specific, point-wise reports within two weeks from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Delhi Police commissioner, according to the proceedings of the case dated September 3.
“MeitY shall specifically confirm compliance with Section 19 of the POCSO Act, 2012, or, in case of non-reporting, state the reasons and identify the responsible officer/authority. The above issue shall not be left to a general or omnibus response on intermediary compliance and shall be answered specifically, supported by contemporaneous records,” the proceedings said.
There was no immediate response from Meta Platforms.
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