Government issues notice to Meta over advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, directing it to disable advertisements promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM). This action follows a BBC report highlighting such ads on Instagram. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta seven days to respond, threatening further action if compliance is not met. The government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards CSEAM, citing IT Act 2000 provisions and IT Rules 2021 that mandate intermediaries to remove such content within 24 hours.
Key Points
- The Indian government has directed Meta to disable ads promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM) on Instagram.
- The action was prompted by a BBC report that exposed the presence of such advertisements on the platform.
- Meta has been given seven days to respond to the notice, with a warning of further action if compliance is not met.
- Indian law, including the IT Act 2000 and IT Rules 2021, mandates intermediaries to remove such content within 24 hours.
Exam Facts
- Notice issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- IT Act, 2000 provides punishment for publishing obscene material and CSEAM.
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 enforces obligations on intermediaries.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) address cybercrimes against children.
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