In brief
A new Tech Transparency Project report reveals that Meta has served hundreds of AI‑generated child sexual‑abuse ads in India over the past ten months, including 84 that appeared after the 2026 government order. The ads often linked to AI image tools and messaging apps for buying illicit content. Meta’s response cites automated enforcement and removal of ads, while Indian regulators have heightened scrutiny and called for stronger reporting mechanisms. The case highlights gaps in cross‑border content monitoring and the challenge of policing rapidly evolving AI‑originated media.
Meta continues to run paid ads featuring child sexual‑abuse material in India despite a 2026 government order to remove them.
A report from the U.S.‑based Tech Transparency Project (TTP) identified 332 ads containing CSAM on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms, with 274 of them dated to August 2026. Of these, 84 ran in India after the government had mandated removal.
Meta’s own statements say it has “strong defenses” that block such content, and that many flagged ads were removed before they ran. The company also points to its own reporting system and compliance with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Yet the TTP report notes that a large portion of the ads promoted AI image or video generation apps and directed users to the Telegram messaging app where illicit material could be purchased for as little as 99 rupees (about $1).
Indian authorities, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the National Human Rights Commission, have responded by investigating the allegations. Child‑rights advocates such as Bhuwan Ribhu have petitioned the Supreme Court to compel platforms to report CSAM actively and identify promoters.
Cyber‑security officials point to the difficulty of policing content that crosses platforms quickly. A metro police officer in Telangana noted the challenge of tracking offenders who move between sites, making enforcement less effective. Meta remains skeptical of the policy’s success, saying it has disabled accounts and blocked URLs following the BBC investigation.
While Meta claims it has taken action, the persistence of new ads discovered by TTP in September indicates a continuing problem. Regulators and civil‑society groups underscore the need for stronger cross‑border cooperation and mandatory reporting to protect children from online exploitation.
