Meta is facing a fresh NHRC probe after reports raised serious questions about paid Instagram ads. These were linked to child sexual abuse material. The case may now test how online platforms handle such harmful content and their duties under Indian law.
NHRC seeks answers from Meta and authorities
As reported by The Hindu, the National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of reports that paid ads on Meta-owned platforms promoted or helped users reach CSAM. They allegedly promoted or helped users reach child sexual abuse material in India. The Commission has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Delhi Police to submit detailed action taken reports.
The action followed reports that some paid Instagram ads used search terms linked to sexual abuse and children. The ads allegedly sent users to Telegram channels where such material was offered for sale. The NHRC said the reports also claimed that the ads passed Meta’s review system. They stayed available even after they were reported through its grievance process. The Commission wants clear answers on what was detected, what was removed, and what action followed.
POCSO duties come under focus
The NHRC has raised a key legal question over reporting duties under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, or POCSO. Section 19 requires information about offences under the law to be reported to the police or the Special Juvenile Police Unit. The Commission has asked whether Meta met those duties and, if not, who was responsible for the failure. It has also asked for details on the steps taken to preserve digital evidence and identify those involved.
1,238 cybercrime cases involving children were registered under the IT Act in 2024, 1,099 involved the publishing or sharing of sexually explicit material depicting children. Alerts may pass through several agencies before reaching the police unit that can act on them. This can delay efforts to identify offenders and protect children more quickly.
The role of Meta under the scanner
The NHRC is also looking at how Meta’s AI and algorithm systems work. The Commission has asked whether a platform that helps generate, edit, recommend, publish, or boost content should still be treated only as a passive intermediary. The NHRC had earlier summoned the Delhi Police commissioner after the police failed to submit an action-taken report on time. The Commission had asked whether mandatory reporting under POCSO was followed and whether any FIRs were filed after the allegations emerged.
That earlier step shows why the latest probe matters. The NHRC is not only asking what happened on Instagram. It is also asking what happened after the reports were made. The wider problem includes gaps in reporting, delays in police action, and the difficulty of tracing online offenders. The case may therefore push both platforms and public bodies to improve how they detect, report, and act on abuse online. The allegations against the company still need to be examined.
Author’s Opinion
The case raises serious questions about platform safety. Technology can move very fast, but child protection cannot depend on slow action. The company and public agencies must ensure that reports are handled quickly, clearly, and with proper legal care.
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