Instagram failed to block ads for child sexual abuse material in India
A BBC investigation found that Instagram's ad moderation system failed to block advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material in India, approving ads that linked to Telegram channels selling such content. The Indian government summoned Meta representatives to explain the advertising failures.
What happened
A BBC investigation published on 3 July 2026 found that Instagram was running paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material in India. The ads used terms including 'rape video' and 'child video' and directed users to Telegram channels where the material could be purchased for as little as 99 rupees.
When the BBC reported one ad to Instagram, the platform responded 24 hours later saying the post did not violate its community guidelines. After the BBC asked Meta for comment, the company said it had disabled several adverts, suspended the accounts posting them, removed additional ads, disabled more accounts, and blocked URLs for violating content.
The BBC investigation involved setting up an alias account on Instagram in India that followed accounts posting sexualised content. Within days, the account was shown approximately 30 unique adverts promoting child sexual abuse material and about 20 ads featuring adult pornography.
Reported impact
Ads on Instagram promoting child sexual abuse material appeared in the feeds of users in India, with clear links to Telegram channels facilitating the sale of such material.
Index analysis
Instagram's moderation technology approved and published the advertisements before they reached users, indicating the system failed to detect content depicting child sexual abuse. The BBC reported that ads on Instagram are only published after being approved by moderation technology.
Governance controls
Meta's policy states that ads must not contain content that sexually exploits or endangers children. The distribution of child sexual abuse material is a criminal offence in India.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.