Centre To Summon Meta After Report Flags Instagram Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material

Published 3 July 2026 · tech

Centre To Summon Meta After Report Flags Instagram Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 18:01 IST The reportedly linked

Centre To Summon Meta After Report Flags Instagram Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 18:01 IST The reportedly linked users to channels on the messaging app Telegram and claimed users could buy the alleged child sexual abuse material for as little as Rs 99. Instagram logo is displayed on a cell phone. (File photo: Getty Images via AFP) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday directed officials to summon representatives from Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta after an investigation found that Instagram was running promoting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in India. Sources said IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has asked officials to seek an explanation from Meta over the issue.

Meta is the parent company of Instagram. According to the BBC investigation, Instagram was found to be displaying paid that allegedly CSAM-related material in India. The, which the BBC said it had seen, reportedly linked users to channels on the messaging app Telegram and claimed users could buy the alleged child sexual abuse material for as little as Rs 99. The report said the used terms including “rape video" and “child video" and directed users to Telegram, where the transactions were allegedly carried out. Second Summons To Meta This Week This is the second instance this week when the government has turned up the heat on Meta. On Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp, citing concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.

It directed the platform to pause the feature until consultations on the issue are completed “to the satisfaction of the Government". The Centre had also asked Meta to explain why action shouldn’t be initiated under the IT Act and rules over WhatsApp’s new feature that may increase cybercrimes. The government also reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is bound by due diligence obligations under the IT Act and rules (With inputs from PTI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.

From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers,... Read More First Published: July 03, 2026, 17:46 IST News india Centre To Summon Meta After Report Flags Instagram Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...