Meta faces NCPCR inquiry over alleged child abuse material ads

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will institute an inquiry against Meta over alleged ads related to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), following a BBC report. The NHRC has also ordered a probe.

Official logo of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (Photo: NCPCR)

NCPCR to institute inquiry against Meta

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which sent a notice to Meta last month taking suo moto cognizance of a media report of BBC Eye, regarding alleged advertisements related to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), has decided to institute an inquiry in the matter, government sources said on Tuesday.

They said that NCPCR sought an explanation from Meta and in response, Meta submitted its reply after a week. NCPCR had issued notice to Meta Platforms Inc. on July 3. "NCPCR has decided to institute an inquiry to determine the facts of the matter," a source said.

NHRC directs Delhi Police to probe

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had earlier directed the Delhi Police to conduct a comprehensive probe into allegations that paid advertisements on Meta-owned Instagram promoted Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in India, and to examine whether the tech company and other concerned entities complied with mandatory reporting obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The NHRC took cognisance of media reports published by the BBC World Service alleging that advertisements on Instagram used particular expressions and redirected users to channels where such material was allegedly being offered for sale. The Commission, in a letter on July 8, directed the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR) on the matter. The proceedings were initiated after a complaint/intimation dated July 6 was placed before the Commission. NHRC had written another letter to Delhi Police on July 29 for the subimission of requisite report. (ANI)

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