Key facts
- A BBC investigation found Instagram ran paid ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India.
- The ads linked users to Telegram channels where the material could be purchased.
- Instagram's parent company is Meta.
- Meta stated it has taken action against violating accounts and ads.
A BBC investigation has revealed that Instagram has run paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) within India. These advertisements reportedly linked users to Telegram channels where the CSAM could be purchased. Instagram's parent company, Meta, has responded to the findings by stating that it has taken action against accounts and ads that violate its policies. The investigation highlights a significant issue with the platform's content moderation and advertising practices concerning illegal and harmful material. Meta's statement suggests that while violations were identified and addressed, the initial presence of such ads indicates a failure in their preventative measures. The BBC's findings raise concerns about the safety of users on the platform, particularly in regions where such material is being promoted and potentially distributed.