Government issues stern notice to Meta on child sexual abuse material in Instagram ads: Sources

The government has issued a stern notice to Meta regarding Child Sexual Exploitation and Exploitation Materials (CSEAM) in paid ads on Instagram, sources said on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The government published the announcement on Saturday evening, July 4th.

“The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has ordered Instagram to disable all ads and content that promote and facilitate access to CSEAM,” sources said.

The ministry also requested detailed clarification within seven days.

The ministry also summoned Meta over a recent report on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) ads on Instagram.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw “directed Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officials to summon Meta over Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India,” an official said.