Meta to Tighten Child Safety Rules on Social Media, Take Stronger Action Against Abuse Content

Social media platforms are facing increased scrutiny in India over the safety of children online. The government has made it clear that protecting minors from sexual exploitation, abuse material and other harmful content is a mandatory responsibility for digital platforms.

Meta has agreed to report cases involving child sexual exploitation to law enforcement agencies. However, government officials have stressed that reporting after an incident is only one part of the responsibility. Platforms are also expected to take proactive measures to detect, prevent and remove harmful content involving children.

Meta Agrees To Report Child Safety Cases

Meta has agreed to report cases of child sexual exploitation to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. The move comes amid growing government attention to allegations involving harmful content on social media platforms.

Officials have indicated that platforms cannot limit their responsibility to responding after such content is brought to their attention. They are expected to have systems and processes in place to identify and act against such material.

The government is also engaging with other social media companies to address child sexual abuse material and related harmful content.

Allegations Put Meta Under Scrutiny

The issue gained attention after a BBC Eye investigation reported alleged advertisements linked to child sexual exploitation on Meta's platforms.

Following the report, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sought an explanation from Meta in July. Meta submitted its response around a week later.

The NCPCR subsequently decided to investigate the matter and examine the facts surrounding the allegations.

NCPCR Seeks More Information

On September 9, the NCPCR summoned Meta India's Managing Director and other senior officials. The Commission sought additional information about the allegations involving alleged Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM), as well as Meta's response to the matter.

The inquiry goes beyond the question of whether objectionable material was removed. Authorities are also examining whether social media platforms are meeting their legal responsibilities when they become aware of offences involving children.

NHRC Asks Delhi Police To Investigate

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken up the matter. It has directed the Delhi Police to conduct a detailed investigation into allegations concerning paid advertisements that allegedly promoted child sexual abuse content on Instagram.

The NHRC has further asked police to examine whether Meta and other similar platforms are complying with reporting obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Government Signals Tougher Action

The developments indicate a stronger focus on how social media companies protect children and respond to reports of abuse.

For platforms operating in India, child safety is being treated as a legal and operational responsibility rather than a voluntary measure. Companies that fail to take appropriate proactive steps could face action from authorities.

The ongoing discussions with different platforms are aimed at strengthening mechanisms to identify, report and remove harmful content involving children while ensuring that potential offences are brought to the attention of law enforcement agencies.


Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports. NewsPoint does not independently verify allegations or claim the guilt of any individual or organisation unless established by the competent authorities.