India orders Meta to delete child sexual abuse content on Instagram

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India issued a formal notice to Meta Platforms, demanding the removal of all Instagram advertisements and algorithmic recommendations that promote child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Meta was given seven days to submit a detailed report on the measures it has taken and to disable any algorithmic amplification of such content.

The action follows an investigation by BBC Eye that identified paid Instagram ads redirecting users to Telegram channels where CSAM was sold. Indian officials referenced the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require intermediaries to remove CSAM within 24 hours of a complaint and to maintain compliance officers in India. Failure to comply could affect Meta’s safe‑harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.