NHRC Inquires Into Meta Ads Allegedly Promoting Child Mistreatment Material

The National Human Rights Commission of India has launched a formal inquiry into allegations that paid advertisements on Meta's platforms promoted access to child mistreatment material, directing key government ministries and the Delhi Police to submit detailed reports within two weeks. The action, taken on September 3, 2026, follows reports that such advertisements, using terms like "assault video" and "child video," allegedly passed through Meta's review systems and redirected users to Telegram channels where illegal material was offered for sale. The NHRC's proceedings state that the commission took cognizance of media reports alleging the advertisements were displayed on Instagram, which is owned and operated by Meta Platforms Inc. The case was initiated after a complaint from the Namo Foundation. The commission noted that the advertisements reportedly remained accessible despite being reported through Meta's grievance mechanism, until the issue was specifically brought to the company's attention.