Technology
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Centre notice to Meta over child abuse ads on Instagram
Moneycontrol··5 Jul
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a notice to Meta on July 5 over paid Instagram advertisements allegedly promoting child sexual exploitative and abuse material. MeitY ordered immediate removal of such ads and content. Meta must submit a detailed explanation within seven days on how the advertisements were approved and what safeguards will follow.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Instagram users may see tighter scrutiny of paid promotions as the government treats algorithmic amplification of exploitative content as a serious compliance issue.
- Parents and guardians should report suspicious ads; failure to comply could invite action under the IT Act and POCSO Act.
- The seven-day deadline puts Meta under pressure to explain ad approval systems used by millions of Indian account holders daily.
What's Happening
- MeitY issued a stern notice to Meta on July 5 after reports that paid Instagram ads directed users to external platforms hosting unlawful child abuse material.
- The ministry ordered Instagram to disable all advertisements and content promoting or facilitating access to child sexual exploitative and abuse material.
- Meta must explain within seven days how such ads were approved and detail corrective safeguards.
Paid Ads Under Scrutiny
- Sources said the notice followed reports that Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed officials to summon Meta over the advertisements.
- A BBC investigation reported Meta's recommendation systems amplified sexually exploitative content, triggering the government response.
- The notice asks how ads containing prohibited keywords cleared publication and what steps Meta took after allegations surfaced.
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