Meta steps up measures to curb child abuse content

US-based technology firm Meta is intensifying efforts to curb the spread and reappearance of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across its platforms in India amid ongoing discussions with the government, according to a report.

The engagement between the social media company and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has focused on Meta’s handling of illegal content and the broader responsibility of digital platforms to prevent harmful material from resurfacing after it has been identified and removed.

The tech company is taking steps to address the proliferation of such content and remains particularly cautious because CSAM constitutes a clear violation of Indian law, it added. In addition, the company is also working to tackle instances where previously flagged material reappears on its platforms.

According to sources — cited in the report — the government has reiterated that platforms will not be entitled to safe harbour protection if they fail to comply with applicable legal requirements.

However, officials are not seeking to censor social media platforms and are instead focused on ensuring adherence to Indian laws. “Platforms need to strike the right balance between social good and harms,” the report said.