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6 July 2026

Government notice to Meta on child sexual abuse material

The topic directly involves the application of the IT Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021, which are critical regulatory frameworks for digital governance, intermediary liability, and the protection of vulnerable sections in the context of cyber security.

2 min read Day 2 of 4 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to Meta directing the removal of advertisements facilitating access to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) on Instagram.
  • Meta is required to provide a detailed explanation regarding the matter within seven days.
  • The directive follows reports alleging that Instagram advertisements were linking users to Telegram channels for the purchase of CSEAM.
  • Meta maintains a zero-tolerance policy against CSEAM and claims to use technology to detect such content, though it acknowledges challenges in evading detection by criminals.
  • Under the IT Act, 2000, publishing or transmitting material depicting children in sexually explicit acts is a punishable offense.
  • The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandate that intermediaries exercise due diligence and remove illegal content within 24 hours to retain legal immunity.
  • Failure to comply with due diligence requirements results in the loss of exemption for third-party content hosted by intermediaries.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs manages the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to address cybercrimes, particularly those against children.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 4 in Government investigation into Meta's handling of CSAM advertisements, which has been running since 4 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Examine the legal obligations of social media intermediaries under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, in curbing the dissemination of child sexual exploitative material. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The proliferation of child sexual abuse material on digital platforms poses a significant challenge to child rights and national security. Discuss the efficacy of existing legislative frameworks and institutional mechanisms like the I4C in addressing this menace. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, what is the stipulated timeframe for intermediaries to remove content that violates the law after receiving a directive?

  2. Which of the following bodies is responsible for the operation of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-06/government-notice-to-meta-on-child-sexual-abuse-material