NHRC Issues Notice to Meta Over Child Safety Ads

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to Meta and the Directors General of Police in eight states over alleged sexual abuse-related content appearing in Instagram advertisements. The NHRC said some material could fall under violations of India’s POCSO law and has sought details on how such advertisements are being identified and removed.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said Meta could face a case if the content is found to contain child sexual abuse material. He also warned that police officials who fail to investigate the matter could be reported to the central government. Separately, a Meta delegation led by Global Affairs Head Joel Kaplan met IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and officials in Delhi for nearly an hour, with discussions covering deepfakes, child sexual abuse material and bot accounts. Meta said it is taking the issues seriously and working to strengthen its safeguards.