Instagram and Facebook under fresh scrutiny—here's what triggered NHRC's action

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Meta and the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of eight states over allegations linked to pornographic and age-inappropriate content on Instagram and Facebook that may contain Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

The commission has directed the state authorities to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action. The Information Technology Secretary has also been made a party to the proceedings.

Speaking to CNN-News18, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the availability of paid content containing CSAM on Instagram could attract provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He said such allegations warrant a criminal investigation and added that an FIR should be registered against Meta if the content is found to violate the law.

NHRC shares 50 URLs with authorities

According to Kanoongo, the commission has provided 50 URLs to the concerned authorities for investigation.

Warning against inaction, he said, "If the concerned authorities don’t initiate the investigation despite 50 URLs being made available to them, then we are going to write to the Government of India and urge it to initiate appropriate action against incompetent police personnel and government authorities in the ministry."

The latest action comes amid increasing scrutiny of social media platforms over their responsibility to detect, remove and report harmful content involving minors.

Allegations follow media investigations

The controversy first gained attention after a BBC investigation in July alleged that Instagram carried advertisements in India appearing to promote child sexual abuse material. Some of those advertisements reportedly directed users to Telegram channels where such content was allegedly being sold.

More recently, a WIRED investigation claimed Meta had approved paid advertisements featuring AI-generated child sexual abuse material and sexually suggestive images involving minors across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Threads. The report also highlighted advertisements promoting AI-powered "nudify" tools.

Meta says it has zero tolerance

Meta has maintained that it follows a "zero tolerance" policy towards child sexual exploitation.

Responding to the latest findings, the company described sexual exploitation as "horrific" and said it continues to strengthen its detection systems.

According to Meta, several of the advertisements flagged in the reports had limited distribution before being removed. The company also said it has introduced newer AI-based tools designed to identify and block advertisements that violate its policies before they are published.