New Delhi, September 8 (IANS). The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned the Managing Director and Head of Meta India to appear before it on September 9. The case pertains to the investigation of advertisements allegedly containing Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM).

The Commission took suo motu cognizance of a media report by BBC Eye and on July 3, 2026, directed Meta Platforms, Inc. Issued a notice to and sought clarification on the allegations. Meta gave its reply a week after receiving the notice.

After reviewing that reply, SCPCR decided to initiate a formal investigation to ascertain the facts and circumstances of the case. As part of the ongoing process, the Commission has now summoned the MD and Head of Meta India to appear before it on September 9 and provide further information.

A BBC Eye investigation alleged that Instagram was running paid advertisements promoting child sexual exploitation material in India. According to the report, the ads, seen by BBC World Service, used terms like 'rape video' and 'child video' and directed users to channels on messaging app Telegram, where the material could reportedly be purchased for just Rs 99.

The report states that advertisements are published on Instagram only when they are approved by the platform's moderation technology. When the BBC reported an ad to Instagram, the platform reportedly responded a day later saying the post did not violate its 'community guidelines'.

The purpose of the NCPCR investigation is to ascertain the truth behind these allegations and to examine the adequacy of Meta's response to the Commission.

Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Delhi Police to thoroughly investigate allegations that CSAM (child sexual abuse material) was promoted through paid advertisements on Instagram in India. The NHRC has also asked the police to investigate whether META and entities have fulfilled their mandatory reporting responsibilities under the 'Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act' (POCSO Act).

The NHRC took up the matter after taking cognizance of reports by BBC World Service which alleged that Instagram ads used specific words and directed users to channels where such content was allegedly being sold.

–IANS

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