Child S*xual Abuse Material on Meta: NHRC Escalates Probe Into Instagram, Issues Notices

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued formal notices to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), escalating its probe into the circulation of Child S*xual Abuse Material (CSAM) across Meta platforms, including Instagram.

The notices, issued on September 2, 2026, by a bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, mark a shift in how regulatory bodies view social media platforms. The commission’s inquiry goes beyond individual content creators to examine whether automated publishing, recommendation, and monetization systems make social platforms active participants in content distribution. Meta CSAM Controversy: MeitY's Child S*xual Abuse Material Notice Raises Concerns Over AI Moderation Failures.

Questioning 'Passive Intermediary' Status

The NHRC requested clarification on whether digital platforms can legally claim protection as passive intermediaries when their automated systems curate, recommend, or monetize content. Specifically, the commission asked the I&B Ministry to evaluate whether Meta falls under its regulatory oversight as an online content publisher or curator under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Probe Stemmed From Paid Ad Allegations

The current action follows notices issued to the Delhi Police in July 2026, which were triggered by media reports from the BBC World Service. The investigative report alleged that paid advertisements using explicit search terms like "rape video" and "child video" were displayed on Instagram, directing users to external Telegram channels where illicit material was allegedly offered for sale. As part of the ongoing proceedings, the NHRC received evidence, including screenshots of Meta's backend features, showing platform suggestions for content ideas, audience engagement, and monetization tools. India Issues Notice to Meta Over Instagram Ads Allegedly Promoting Child S*x Abuse Material.

Demands for POCSO Compliance and Action Reports

The commission asked MeitY to clarify compliance with mandatory reporting requirements under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The ministry was requested to confirm whether suspected instances of CSAM were reported to local law enforcement or Special Juvenile Police Units, and to identify responsible officials if procedural lapses occurred. Both MeitY and the I&B Ministry have been directed to submit comprehensive Action Taken Reports within two weeks detailing Meta's regulatory status, legal obligations, and enforcement steps under the current legal framework.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2026 08:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).