NHRC demands action from Indian ministries and police on Instagram CSAM ad allegations
A National Human Rights Commission panel has ordered MeitY, MIB and Delhi Police to submit detailed reports within two weeks on Instagram ads alleged to facilitate child sexual abuse material.
The National Human Rights Commission formed a panel headed by Priyank Kanoongo to probe Instagram advertisements that allegedly provided access to child sexual abuse material. It has instructed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Delhi Police to furnish detailed Action Taken Reports within a fortnight. The inquiry follows one outlet Eye report that identified around 30 paid Instagram ads directing users to Telegram channels selling explicit videos, despite Meta’s policy banning nudity.
The NHRC emphasized scrutiny under the POCSO Act, the Information Technology Act and intermediary regulations, including preservation of electronic evidence and tracing financial flows. It also asked whether the offenses were reported to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police as required by Section 19 of the POCSO Act. Meta responded that the allegations are false and outlined its AI-based detection and enforcement measures, promising continued investment in child-safety technologies.
Why it matters
The inquiry could reshape how digital platforms are held accountable for child exploitation content in India.
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