Archive · 29 Sep 2026
NHRC Notices Meta, Centre Over Alleged Child Exploitation Videos
India’s National Human Rights Commission is investigating claims that children were used in troubling social media videos.
The complaint says some children were taught to say abusive or politically sensitive things.
It also says the videos were shared to attract attention and engagement online.
The commission is asking Meta, a government ministry and local officials for reports.
Police in Etah must find the children and help keep them safe.
They must also investigate the adults who may have helped create or share the videos.
Officials were told to provide counselling and other support to the children.
Meta must explain how the videos spread and whether anyone earned money from them.
The NHRC issued notices to Meta, MeitY and the Etah district administration over allegations involving minors in social media videos.
A complaint alleged that vulnerable children were tutored to make abusive, derogatory and politically sensitive videos for online reach and engagement.
The Etah police were directed to identify and protect the children, provide counselling, investigate those involved and preserve digital evidence.
The District Magistrate was told to arrange care, protection and rehabilitation through child-protection authorities.
Meta must explain how the content was repeatedly circulated, whether it generated commercial benefits and what steps were taken to preserve evidence and address it.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission, Meta, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Etah authorities, police and the complainant Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation are involved; the allegations concern minor children.
- What
- The NHRC issued notices and ordered reports and investigations into the alleged use and circulation of children in objectionable social media videos.
- When
- The notices were reported on September 29, 2026, with action-taken reports requested within two weeks.
- Where
- The matter involves Etah district in Uttar Pradesh and content circulated on social media.
- Why
- The NHRC acted on allegations that children were exploited, exposed to abusive and politically sensitive content, and potentially used for digital engagement or commercial benefit.
- NHRC action
- Notices were issued to Meta, MeitY and the Etah district administration.
- Complaint
- Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation alleged that minors were tutored and made to appear in objectionable videos.
- Children’s concerns
- The complaint raised concerns about dignity, privacy, psychological well-being and informed parental consent.
- Police deadline
- Authorities were asked to submit action-taken reports within two weeks.
- Police directions
- Etah police must identify and protect the children, investigate relevant roles and preserve digital evidence.
- Rehabilitation
- The District Magistrate was directed to arrange care, protection and rehabilitation through the Child Welfare Committee and District Child Protection Unit.
- Meta’s response
- Meta must explain the repeated circulation, possible monetisation or commercial benefit, evidence preservation and steps taken regarding the content.