The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned Meta India’s Managing Director and Head as part of an inquiry into allegations that advertisements linked to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) appeared on the company’s platforms.
The child rights body is reportedly examining the matter following reports that raised concerns about the alleged promotion and availability of such material through advertisements on Meta-owned social media platforms.
The NCPCR had taken suo motu cognisance of a BBC Eye investigation on July 3 and subsequently sought an explanation from Meta Platforms. Meta submitted its response to the commission about a week later.
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However, the commission has now decided to conduct a formal inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the allegations. As part of the investigation, the Managing Director and Head of Meta India has been asked to appear before the commission on Wednesday, according to officials.
For the unversed, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) also took action against Meta in July after reports surfaced about advertisements on Instagram allegedly promoting or facilitating access to CSEAM. The ministry reportedly directed Instagram to remove advertisements and content linked to such material and sought a detailed explanation from the company. The action followed directions from IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had asked officials to summon Meta over the allegations.
The scrutiny was triggered in part by a BBC investigation that raised questions about Meta’s recommendation systems and safeguards. The report allegedly found that certain content and advertisements could direct users towards channels or platforms where child sexual abuse material was being offered.
According to the allegations, some advertisements appearing on Facebook and Instagram contained search terms related to such illegal content and redirected users to Telegram channels. These channels were allegedly being used to promote or sell access to abusive material.
Now, the NCPCR inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged advertisements and Meta’s response to the issue. Further details regarding the commission’s findings are yet to be announced.