A BBC Eye investigation has uncovered that Instagram has been running paid advertisements in India that promote child sexual abuse material. These promotional ads, which bypass moderation systems, utilize explicit keywords to direct users toward Telegram channels where such illegal content can be purchased for a nominal fee.
When these advertisements were reported to Instagram, the platform initially dismissed them as compliant with community guidelines. Following inquiry from the BBC, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, stated it had removed the advertisements, disabled associated accounts, and blocked related URLs. Despite this, experts have highlighted the recurring nature of these security lapses.
The BBC’s investigation involved creating an alias account in India. Within a week, the platform began displaying highly inappropriate advertisements, including those depicting minors in sexualized scenarios alongside adults. These advertisements often provided links leading directly to illicit Telegram content.
Legal experts, including retired Indian Supreme Court Justice Madan Lokur, have expressed alarm that the platform could be profiting from criminal activity. While Meta denies prioritizing revenue over user safety and maintains that its automated moderation systems are active, critics argue the company’s reliance on algorithms designed for engagement leaves the platform vulnerable to exploitation. Former Meta executive Brian Boland noted that the pursuit of clicks and revenue often conflicts with the aggressive safety measures required to block such illicit content.
Telegram, for its part, claims to utilize both automated and human moderation to mitigate the spread of such material. However, advocacy groups and cyber security officials emphasize that criminal networks continue to exploit the transition between social platforms to evade detection and oversight.