Meta has removed multiple Instagram advertisements, advertiser accounts and linked external websites after facing scrutiny over content that allegedly violated child safety norms in India. The company said it has also widened its internal investigation while reiterating that it does not permit child sexual exploitative and abuse material (CSEAM) on its platforms.
The statement marks Meta's first detailed response since the Centre issued a notice directing the company to immediately disable advertisements and content that promoted or facilitated access to such material on Instagram. Authorities also sought a detailed explanation from the social media giant within seven days.
According to Meta, some of the reported advertisements and advertiser accounts had already been flagged and removed through its enforcement systems before the issue came to public attention. The tech giant conducted another review, removing additional advertisements, disabling more advertiser accounts, and blocking related external websites.
Meta also acknowledged that its enforcement systems are not infallible and that some content may evade detection before it is reported or identified. The company went on to say that it consistently monitors all complaints and enhances its enforcement mechanisms when any inappropriate content manages to pass through its existing protection system.
Meanwhile, Meta refuted claims that its advertisement mechanism had intentionally advertised inappropriate content relating to children. The company explained that its advertisements are monitored through artificial intelligence as well as humans.
Highlighting its child safety efforts, Meta said, “Over 4 million accounts linked with activities of suspicious nature around children were suspended.” It further claimed that 36 million posts concerning child exploitation all over the world were also removed within a year.
The company stated that it is continuously making investments in sophisticated technology to identify illegal activities while collaborating with law enforcement agencies and organizations working for the welfare of children. This entire controversy has increased pressure on Meta’s content moderation policies as well as its policies related to advertisements in India.
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