Source The Hindu
New Delhi: The Indian government has issued a strong notice to tech giant Meta over serious concerns regarding the presence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) allegedly being circulated through advertisements on its platform Instagram, according to official sources.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reportedly taken a strict stance, warning the company of severe consequences if immediate action is not taken to curb the misuse of its platform. The notice follows multiple complaints and findings suggesting that inappropriate and illegal content linked to minors was being promoted or accessible via ad systems.
Sources indicate that the government has sought a detailed explanation from Meta regarding its content moderation mechanisms, ad review processes, and steps being taken to prevent such violations. Authorities have emphasized that the safety of children online is a top priority and any negligence will not be tolerated.
Officials have also pointed out that under India’s IT rules and relevant legal provisions, intermediaries like Meta are required to ensure swift removal of unlawful content and maintain robust safeguards against misuse. Failure to comply could result in legal action, including penalties or restrictions on operations.
In response, Meta is expected to submit a compliance report outlining the measures it has implemented to detect and eliminate CSAM from its platforms. The company has previously stated its commitment to user safety and the use of advanced technologies, including AI tools, to identify harmful content.
The development highlights increasing scrutiny of social media companies in India, especially regarding user safety, data protection, and accountability. The government has reiterated its expectation that digital platforms must act responsibly and proactively to prevent exploitation and abuse, particularly involving minors.
Further updates are awaited as authorities review Meta’s response and assess the next course of action.
