Meta said it removed Instagram ads, accounts, and related URLs after an investigation found paid ads in India promoting child sexual abuse material and linking users to Telegram channels where the material was sold for as little as 99 rupees (US$1).

The company said in a blog post it had disabled some violating ads and accounts before the report became public.

After a broader review, Meta said it removed more ads, disabled more accounts, and blocked more URLs, but disputed claims that its systems knowingly or deliberately targeted the content to users.

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had directed Instagram to disable all ads and content promoting or facilitating access to child sexual exploitative and abuse material and sought a detailed explanation within seven days.

Under India’s Information Technology Rules 2021, intermediaries must remove such content within 24 hours or risk losing liability protections.

The episode adds to broader scrutiny of Meta’s child-safety practices after the European Commission said the company could face fines of up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover if its preliminary findings on safeguards for minors are confirmed.

🔗 Source: The Economic Times