Instagram shows advertisements in India for child-abuse content, BBC probe reveals

Instagram has been displaying paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material to its vast user base, a BBC investigation has claimed.

The probe brought to light ads that often contained phrases like “rape video” and “child video”, that allegedly directed users to the messaging patform Telegram where such content was being sold for as little as Rs 99.

The BBC said it created a test account in India after noticing Instagram’s recommendation systems increasing surfacing sexually suggestive content. Within days the test account began receiving advertisements featuring adult pornography and laters ads and links to Telegram channels promoting and offering child sexual abuse material.