NHRC questions role of Met, seeks action reports from MeitY, MIB, Delhi Police on CSAM Instagram ads | Today’s news
A bench of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought detailed action reports (ATRs) from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and Delhi Police over two weeks in connection with allegations of advertisements on Instagram that allegedly facilitated access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM/CSEAM).
What NHRC said
According to ANI, the NHRC bench headed by Priyank Kanoong also noted that the charges that came to light after the BBC World Service report would not only cover objectionable online content but could include child sexual exploitation, recording, dissemination, promotion and monetization of such material and possible organized crime.
Read also | Meta Takes Action Against CSAM, Government Official Says ‘Message Came Home’
The commission highlighted investigations under the POCSO Act 2012, the Information Technology Act 2000 and the relevant intermediary framework, including the preservation and forensic examination of electronic evidence, identification of persons involved, financial tracing and the rescue, protection and rehabilitation of child victims.
The bench specifically asked MeitY for a response regarding compliance with Section 19 of the POCSO Act, 2012, which provides for mandatory reporting of offences. The commission questioned whether the matter was reported to the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) or the local police after the alleged offenses were discovered.
The NHRC directed MeitY, MIB and Delhi Police to submit specific and factual reports within two weeks along with relevant authorities.
NHRC questions Meta’s role
The court also questioned that if a digital platform’s own systems actively generate, edit, curate, recommend, publish, distribute or monetize content, its legal status can still only be considered a passive intermediary.
Accusations against Meta
In July, a BBC Eye investigation revealed that Instagram’s advertising system in India ran paid ads for CSAM. According to the BBC, the ads directed users to external Telegram channels to purchase explicit videos. The investigation found around 30 paid ads on Instagram using explicit terms. Instagram was also found to be actively promoting such content without effective controls, despite Meta’s advertising policies specifically prohibiting nudity.
Following the allegations, MeitY issued a strong notice to Meta, ordering the immediate removal of all policy-violating ads and demanding a detailed explanation within 7 days. It also ordered Instagram to ban all ads and content promoting and facilitating access to CSEAM and demanded a detailed explanation tied to the deadline.
What Meta said
Meta said in its response that the allegations regarding CSAM’s Instagram ads were “categorically inaccurate.”
Read also | Meta calls child abuse a ‘horrific crime’, details fight against ads depicting child sexual abuse
Meta also outlined its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in its apps, highlighting AI-based detection and large-scale enforcement, and in a blog post promised to continue investing in technology and resources to keep youth safe and strengthen its ad review processes.
