Meta’s ongoing saga is still far from over:Government reviews tech giant’s reply on Instagram child sexual abuse material ads, decision expected soon

The Indian government is now reviewing Meta’s response after the company was asked to explain reports of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) appearing in paid advertisements on Instagram.
While Meta has defended its efforts to fight such content, officials say they will carefully examine the company’s reply before deciding what action, if any, to take. The government is also reviewing responses from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal regarding their username features, which have raised concerns about online fraud and impersonation. Government receives Meta’s reply IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) received Meta’s response on Saturday, the deadline given to the company. The reply is currently being examined, and the government will decide its next steps after reviewing it. Krishnan said: On the CSAM content, we had issued a notice to Meta, and the reply has been received. It is currently under examination. He further added: Based on an examination of the reply, appropriate action would be taken. Why did the government send a notice? The notice was issued after reports claimed that paid advertisements on Instagram were promoting or helping users access child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Following these allegations, MeitY directed Meta to: The government called the matter serious and sought clarification from the social media company. Also read: ‘WhatsApp, Telegram Signal’s replies received on username feature’: Govt will announce its decision soon, says IT secretary

Meta defends its safety measures
In its response, Meta rejected claims that it intentionally targeted users with advertisements related to child sexual exploitation. The company said it actively uses artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to detect and remove harmful content across Facebook and Instagram. According to Meta: Meta said: It is categorically inaccurate to suggest that we’d knowingly and deliberately target ads featuring children to people based on an inappropriate interest in children. The company added that it proactively identifies suspicious accounts and removes them before they can cause harm. Government also reviewing username feature responses Apart from the CSAM issue, the government is also examining responses from messaging platforms over their username features. IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that some platforms have already submitted their replies. On the usernames issue, yes, the responses have been received from some of the platforms. We are examining those responses, and we will make available our stance. Also read: Why does Antarctica’s famous Blood Falls flow red?:Scientists finally crack 100-year-old mystery; know why its water doesn’t freeze even below 0°C

Why are username features under scrutiny? Earlier this month, the Centre sent notices to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal over their username-based messaging features. These features allow users to connect without sharing their mobile phone numbers. The government is concerned that such features could make it easier for scammers to carry out: WhatsApp was first asked not to roll out its proposed username feature until discussions with the government were completed. Similar notices were later sent to Telegram and Signal, asking how their existing username systems prevent fraud and misuse.
The government has not yet announced any decision on either issue. Officials are currently reviewing the responses submitted by Meta and the messaging platforms.