Meta India representatives arrived at the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) office on September 9, 2026, in response to a summons related to alleged advertisements concerning Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). The NCPCR’s inquiry follows a media report published by BBC Eye that raised concerns about these advertisements on platforms owned by Meta.

The NCPCR had previously taken suo motu cognisance of the BBC report and issued a notice to Meta Platforms, Inc. on July 3, seeking clarification on the allegations. In a bid to address the concerns, Meta submitted its response to the Commission a week after the notice was issued, prompting further examination by the NCPCR.

Details of the Summoned Inquiry

After reviewing Meta’s response, the NCPCR decided to launch an inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations. This inquiry aims to establish the facts related to CSEAM and evaluate the appropriateness of the response provided by Meta. The managing directors’ presence at the Commission was deemed necessary for the investigation to gain more clarity on the situation.

The allegations suggest that paid advertisements on Instagram, owned by Meta, facilitated the promotion of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). As part of this inquiry, the NCPCR is determining the accuracy of these claims and the extent of Meta’s responsibility in ensuring the safety of its platforms.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had previously intervened in this matter, directing Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. The NHRC’s directive followed its concern regarding compliance with mandatory reporting obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Government and Legal Actions Taken

The NHRC initiated its involvement after receiving media reports that indicated advertisements on Instagram were redirecting users to channels where prohibited material was allegedly available for purchase. Following a complaint received on July 6, the NHRC sent a letter on July 8 to the Delhi Police Commissioner, requesting a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR) on this matter.

Continuing its follow-up, the NHRC wrote again to the Delhi Police on July 29, urging the submission of the requisite report to assess the findings from the investigation. This highlights the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the protection of child rights and enforcing regulations against the dissemination of harmful content online.

The authorities is closely monitoring an ongoing investigation as it has significant implications for child safety in digital spaces. As the inquiry progresses, all involved parties aim to ensure accountability and take necessary actions to prevent the exploitation of children through online platforms.

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