NHRC SEEKS REPORTS OVER ALLEGED USE OF MINORS IN OBJECTIONABLE SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS
September 29, 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Meta, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district following a complaint alleging that minor children were repeatedly used in scripted and objectionable social media videos.
The complaint alleges that children, including those from socially and economically vulnerable backgrounds, were made to participate in videos containing abusive, derogatory and politically sensitive material that was subsequently uploaded and circulated on Instagram. The NHRC said the allegations raise concerns relating to the children’s dignity, privacy, psychological well-being, parental consent and possible exploitation.
The commission has directed the Etah police to identify the children appearing in the videos and ensure appropriate protection and counselling. Authorities have also been asked to identify the individuals controlling the social-media account and investigate the roles of adults involved in scripting, recording, uploading or circulating the material.
The NHRC has further directed the police to examine the digital content and register an FIR if a cognisable offence is found. The District Magistrate has been asked to ensure appropriate care and protection measures for the children through the relevant child-welfare authorities.
Meta has been asked to explain how the content involving minors was repeatedly uploaded and circulated, whether any financial or commercial benefit was generated, and what steps were taken to restrict or remove the material and preserve relevant digital evidence. MeitY has been asked to examine the platform’s child-safety, due-diligence and grievance-redressal mechanisms.
The concerned authorities have been asked to submit action-taken reports to the NHRC within two weeks. The proceedings will determine the facts behind the allegations and whether any legal violations occurred.
