Meta Platforms (META, Financials) the social media and digital advertising company behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, is facing fresh regulatory pressure in India after the government warned Instagram over child abuse-related content in paid advertisements.
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology directed Instagram to remove all ads and content promoting child sexual abuse material. The government also asked Meta to provide a detailed response within seven days.
The warning followed a BBC investigation that said Instagram had carried paid advertisements linked to child abuse material in India. Meta said it has zero tolerance for such content and uses technology to detect violations, while noting that criminals continue to try to evade its systems.
The issue adds to a difficult week for Meta in India. WhatsApp also came under scrutiny over its planned username feature, which the government said could increase cybercrime risks. Meta defended the feature as a privacy tool that lets users connect without sharing phone numbers.
India is Meta's largest user market across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, making regulatory pressure there especially important for investors.
The next focus will be Meta's response to the government and whether India pushes for tighter rules on platform safety and data controls.