Delhi Police files FIR against Meta over child sexual abuse content

Delhi Police's Special Cell filed an FIR on Oct 8 accusing Meta platforms of hosting suspected child sexual abuse material. The complaint cited about ten web links that allegedly shared such content. The FIR invokes Sections 67 and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deal with publishing obscene material and depicting children in sexual acts in electronic form. Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations Additional CP Sanjay Bhatia said the police have begun verifying the allegations after the complaint was lodged. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo posted on X that the FIR was filed “acting on our directions” to address the availability of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material on Meta’s services. The investigation focuses on Facebook and Instagram, the two platforms operated by Meta India mentioned in the complaint. The Special Cell will continue probing the links and the sources behind them. ## Context Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material is illegal under Indian law and is prosecuted under the IT Act. Platforms are required to remove such content when notified, and police can pursue offenders through criminal proceedings.