Meta continued to run paid advertisements featuring artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse imagery across its platforms over a 10-month period, according to a report released by the Tech Transparency Project, a US-based research organization. The investigation identified 332 such adverts on Facebook and Instagram, with the majority appearing in August. Of these, approximately 84 ads ran in India, with 78 of them published after the Indian government ordered Meta to remove all ads and content promoting child sexual abuse material on Instagram.
The TTP report detailed how the advertisements typically featured photos of real children that were manipulated using AI technology to depict them in graphic sexual situations. The researchers identified several images of real children, including a member of a European royal family, being used in this manner. The ads predominantly directed users toward AI image and video generation applications, predominantly developed by Chinese companies, with messaging suggesting these tools could be used to create or view child sexual abuse material.
When contacted about the findings, Meta stated it does not tolerate any form of child exploitation, whether involving real or AI-generated content, and emphasized efforts to strengthen detection and enforcement systems. The company noted that when it becomes aware of apparent child exploitation, it reports findings to the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in accordance with legal obligations. Meta also indicated that many flagged ads had minimal reach with fewer than 200 impressions and total ad spending under $5,000.
Indian advocacy organizations and government agencies have raised concerns about Meta’s compliance with local child protection laws. Just Rights for Children, representing over 250 organizations focused on preventing violence against children in India, filed a petition in the Supreme Court requesting mandatory reporting requirements for social media platforms. Officials from various Indian agencies, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, announced they are examining the matter. The distribution of child sexual abuse material remains a criminal offense under Indian law.
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