The child rights body initiated proceedings after taking suo motu cognisance of a media report by BBC Eye, which alleged that Instagram advertisements were directing users to Telegram channels where child sexual abuse material was being offered for sale.
NCPCR seeks further explanation from Meta
The NCPCR issued a notice to Meta Platforms, Inc. on July 3, 2026, seeking an explanation from the company over the allegations. Meta submitted its response a week later.
After examining the company's response, the Commission decided to initiate a formal inquiry to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations.
As part of the proceedings, the NCPCR has now directed Meta India's Managing Director and Head to appear before it on September 9 and provide further information regarding the matter.
BBC report flags alleged paid Instagram promotions
The BBC Eye investigation alleged that paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material were appearing on Instagram in India.
According to the report, advertisements reviewed by the BBC World Service used terms such as "rape video" and "child video" and directed users to Telegram channels where such material could allegedly be purchased for as little as Rs 99.
The report also highlighted concerns over Instagram's moderation system. According to the BBC, advertisements on the platform are published only after undergoing approval through Meta's moderation technology.
When the BBC flagged one of the advertisements to Instagram, the platform reportedly responded the following day, saying that the advertisement did not violate its community guidelines.
The allegations have raised questions over the effectiveness of Meta's content moderation systems and its mechanisms for detecting and removing child sexual exploitation material.
NHRC directs Delhi Police to investigate
Separately, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Delhi Police to conduct a detailed investigation into allegations that paid Instagram advertisements were being used to promote child sexual abuse material.
The NHRC has also asked the police to examine whether Meta and other entities concerned complied with their mandatory reporting obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The human rights body took cognisance of reports by the BBC World Service concerning the alleged advertisements and their links to Telegram channels where such material was reportedly being sold.
Delhi Police asked to submit Action Taken Report
In a letter dated July 8, the NHRC directed the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report on the matter.
The proceedings were initiated after a complaint dated July 6 was placed before the Commission.
The parallel proceedings by the NCPCR and NHRC are expected to examine not only the allegations concerning the advertisements but also the response mechanisms of social media platforms and whether applicable legal and reporting obligations were followed.