The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is reviewing Meta’s response to a government notice concerning advertisements linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Instagram. The government will decide on further action after examining the company’s submission.
The notice was issued following reports alleging that paid advertisements on Instagram promoted or facilitated access to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM). In response, MeitY directed Meta to immediately remove such advertisements and related content, while seeking a detailed explanation within a stipulated timeline.
Confirming the development, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said Meta submitted its response on Saturday, meeting the government’s deadline. He added that the ministry is currently evaluating the company’s reply and will determine the appropriate course of action based on its findings.
Following the notice, Meta outlined the measures it has implemented to combat CSAM across its platforms. The company said it uses AI-powered detection systems, strengthened content moderation, and enhanced ad review processes to identify, remove and prevent the spread of harmful and illegal content.
The development highlights the government’s continued focus on platform accountability and online child safety. The outcome of MeitY’s review could shape the next steps in ensuring compliance with India’s digital safety regulations and strengthening measures to prevent the circulation of exploitative content on online platforms.
