India to Summon Meta Over Instagram Ads Promoting Child Abuse
India's IT Ministry will summon Meta to explain Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material, the second instance this week of government pressure on the tech giant. The move follows a notice issued to Meta over WhatsApp's planned username feature, citing concerns of increased online fraud and cybercrimes.
Key points
- India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to summon Meta over Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material.
- This is the second instance this week of government pressure on Meta, following a notice over WhatsApp's planned username feature.
- The government has asked Meta to explain why action shouldn't be initiated under the IT Act and rules over WhatsApp's new feature.
- Meta has been reminded that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is bound by due diligence obligations under the IT Act and rules.
India's IT Ministry has taken swift action against Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, over concerns of child sexual abuse material being promoted on the platform. This move comes on the heels of a notice issued to Meta over WhatsApp's planned username feature, which the government believes could increase online fraud and cybercrimes.
The government has directed officials to summon Meta to explain the issue, marking the second instance this week of pressure on the tech giant. The IT Ministry has also asked Meta to explain why action shouldn't be initiated under the IT Act and rules over WhatsApp's new feature.
Meta has been reminded that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, is bound by due diligence obligations under the IT Act and rules. The government's move is a clear indication of its commitment to protecting users from online abuse and ensuring that tech companies comply with regulations.
Sources
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