Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has instructed ministry officials to summon Meta regarding advertisements on Instagram that promote child sexual abuse material, according to sources on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The IT Ministry will request an explanation from Meta on the matter.
This represents the second occasion this week that authorities have intensified scrutiny of Meta.
On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the central government sent a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp, citing risks of increased online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks.
The platform was directed to suspend the feature until consultations conclude to the government’s satisfaction.
The Centre also asked Meta to explain why action should not be taken under the IT Act and rules concerning WhatsApp’s new feature that could raise cybercrime levels.
The government further reminded Meta that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, must fulfill due diligence obligations under the IT Act and rules.
