Probe into objectionable ads on Instagram intensified; Meta India MD summoned..
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned a top Meta India official regarding advertisements on Instagram allegedly linked to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM). The Commission has directed Meta India's Managing Director and Country Head to appear on September 9. Taking *suo motu* cognizance of a BBC media report, the NCPCR had previously issued a notice to Meta Platforms Inc. Now, the Commission has decided to initiate a formal inquiry to examine the facts of the case.
**Notice sent to Meta on July 3**
Taking *suo motu* cognizance of the BBC report, the NCPCR issued a notice to Meta Platforms Inc. on July 3. The Commission sought a response and relevant documents from Meta regarding the alleged advertisements linked to CSEAM. Meta submitted its response to the Commission about a week later. Subsequently, the NCPCR decided to launch a formal inquiry to ascertain the truth and all facts surrounding the matter.
**Questioning of top Meta India official**
The NCPCR has now summoned Meta India's Managing Director and Country Head to appear on September 9. The Commission's inquiry will examine questions regarding Meta India's role, how the alleged advertisements bypassed Instagram's systems, and why such a situation arose. According to officials, the probe will also consider the stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act applicable to such content involving children. However, Commission officials have not shared specific details regarding Meta's response.
**NHRC also investigating the matter**
Last week, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also issued notices to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as part of an investigation into the alleged spread of CSEAM on Instagram. Both ministries have been given two weeks to respond. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo stated that the investigation is no longer limited to merely identifying the individual who uploaded the objectionable content. It is also examining the extent to which the platform's own editorial and publishing systems are involved in creating, selecting, disseminating, amplifying, or monetizing the content.
What did Meta say?
Meta has previously stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the exploitation of children and that advertisements and accounts violating its rules have been removed. The company also noted that, aided by its detection systems, over 160,000 suspicious accounts were removed in India in the last six months. Meta denied intentionally showing such advertisements to individuals who demonstrated an inappropriate interest in children. A request for comment was sent to the company after the NCPCR summoned top Meta India officials, but no response was received.
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