Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) concerning the alleged circulation and availability of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM) through platforms operated by Meta, following directions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The development was publicly confirmed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, who said on November 4 that Delhi Police had acted on the Commission's directions and registered an FIR concerning the availability of such material on Meta-operated platforms.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: FIR registered over alleged availability and circulation of child sexual exploitation and abuse material on Meta platforms.
Location: India
Authority/Organisation: Delhi Police Special Cell and National Human Rights Commission.
Action Taken: FIR registered under Sections 67 and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Impact: Raises questions about digital platform accountability, online child protection and reporting obligations.
According to police-related reports, the FIR was registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell on October 8, 2026, under Sections 67 and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The complaint reportedly flagged approximately 10 links suspected of being associated with the circulation of unlawful material involving children.
The Special Cell has initiated an investigation to examine the flagged links, verify the allegations and establish whether any legal violations have occurred.
The case follows wider scrutiny of online advertisements and content that allegedly directed users towards external channels where child sexual exploitation material was being circulated. A BBC Eye investigation published earlier in 2026 had raised concerns about advertisements on Instagram allegedly directing users to external messaging channels.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The case highlights the growing challenge of protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. Social media platforms are major channels for communication, advertising and digital interaction. Their responsibility extends beyond removing harmful posts after complaints; they must also maintain effective systems to detect, prevent and report illegal activity. The investigation could bring greater scrutiny to the way platforms handle paid advertisements, external links, repeat offenders and content moderation. It also highlights the role of Indian law-enforcement agencies and child-rights institutions in addressing online threats to children.
The allegations prompted regulatory attention, including action by child-rights authorities. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had also pursued an inquiry and summoned senior Meta India representatives in connection with the matter.
Meta has previously stated that protecting children on its platforms is a priority and that it is strengthening systems to identify and remove content associated with child exploitation.
In October 2026, the company announced additional artificial-intelligence-based measures to detect advertisements that may appear harmless but allegedly direct users to illegal content hosted outside its platforms.
Meta also reported that it had taken action against approximately 5.3 million pieces of child sexual exploitation content on Facebook and Instagram in India during the first half of 2026. The company said more than 98 per cent of the material was detected and addressed proactively before users reported it.
The latest FIR brings renewed attention to the responsibility of digital platforms, particularly in relation to paid advertisements, content moderation, reporting obligations and cooperation with law-enforcement agencies.
The investigation will need to establish the origin of the flagged links, how the material was allegedly made accessible, whether any accounts or individuals were involved and whether the relevant legal requirements were followed.
The registration of an FIR marks the beginning of a criminal investigation. It does not by itself establish that Meta or any individual has been found guilty of an offence.
The case could have wider implications for India's digital child-safety framework, especially as regulators examine how technology companies detect harmful content, respond to complaints and prevent online exploitation.
