NDTV Investigation: Child Abuse Content Persists on Meta and Telegram Despite Bans
An NDTV investigation has found sexually suggestive videos of children, AI-generated exploitative content, and Telegram channels selling child sexual abuse material (CSAM) for as little as Rs 50 on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Despite policies banning such material, the content remained discoverable, raising concerns about enforcement consistency.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of exploitative and illegal content evading moderation. Some accounts had amassed hundreds of views. Additionally, videos glorifying guns and gang culture were found, with users openly inquiring about firearm prices in comments. Terms like 'desi katta' appeared in captions and hashtags, indicating active promotion.
Over several days, NDTV examined activity across Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram, revealing an ecosystem where sexually suggestive content, AI-generated exploitation, gun glorification, and CSAM channels remained accessible despite platform prohibitions. The findings underscore broader safety concerns for children and vulnerable users.
The Government of India sought Meta's response after CSAM was promoted via advertisements on Instagram. Authorities issued a notice, demanding content removal and an explanation for how such ads were allowed. Meta has not publicly commented on the notice.
Instagram: Suggestive Content and Child Exploitation
Multiple Instagram accounts carried sexually suggestive content with provocative captions that appeared to push policy boundaries. While Instagram's Community Standards prohibit explicit content, such accounts remained accessible. The investigation identified videos that exploited exceptions in nudity policies for educational purposes by presenting permissible content in a sexually suggestive manner. Accounts carried captions referencing familial and interpersonal relationships. Videos featuring young boys and girls, including posts sexualising children or alluding to abuse, were found. Instagram states zero tolerance for child exploitation and uses technology to detect such material, but the availability raises enforcement questions.
Telegram: CSAM for Rs 50
On Telegram, channels advertised CSAM for as little as Rs 50, using the abbreviation 'CP' under categories like 'Indian CP' and 'Foreign CP'. An NDTV reporter posed as a buyer; after payment, the seller shared download links containing gigabytes of files advertised as CSAM. Despite Telegram's stated efforts to remove illegal content and child exploitation material, these channels operated. Telegram responded to NDTV, stating it prohibits CSAM and uses 'industry-leading moderation', and that it had removed more than 400 such channels.
The investigation highlights persistent gaps in content moderation across major platforms, despite policies and technological measures. The government's notice to Meta signals increased scrutiny, but the continued availability of such content calls for stronger enforcement and accountability.
