Instagram Ads in India Linked to Child Exploitation Content

WHO:

BBC - Instagram is the platform involved in the promotion of the ads.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Instagram has been running ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India.

BBC - The ads use terms including “rape video” and “child video” and link to content on the messaging app Telegram.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The ads are specifically linked to content in India.

WHY:

Techmeme - The ads are promoting child sexual abuse material, indicating a serious issue of exploitation.

HOW:

BBC - The ads link to Telegram channels that host the abusive content.

(UPDATED July 3, 2026 17:33 UTC)

Instagram has come under fire for running ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India. These disturbing ads use explicit terms like “rape video” and “child video,” directing users to content hosted on the messaging app Telegram. This situation highlights a serious issue of exploitation, as the ads are linked to channels that facilitate the distribution of such abusive material.