The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint alleging that Meta Platforms is failing to adequately protect children using Facebook and Instagram in India.
The Commission has directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to have the allegations examined and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
The complaint was filed by NGO watchdog Legal Rights Protection Forum on 20 August 2026.
The NHRC notice states that the allegations made in the complaint “prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victims”. The Bench was presided over by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo.
Allegations Against Meta
The complaint alleges that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms are not doing enough to prevent underage children from accessing their services in India.
It raises concerns over what it describes as weak age-assurance mechanisms, behavioural profiling of children, algorithmic amplification and exposure to harmful content.
The complainant also referred to allegations arising from litigation in the United States concerning Meta’s handling of children below the age of 13. According to the complaint, testimony in the US litigation allegedly indicated a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach towards children under 13.
The complaint alleges that such practices indicate that growth and user engagement may have been prioritised over child safety.
Data Protection Concerns
The complaint also raises questions about Meta’s compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
It alleges that the company’s practices may not comply with provisions requiring verifiable parental consent for processing children’s personal data and restricting the processing of children’s data in ways that could harm them.
The complainant has also alleged that Meta’s recommender systems and engagement-optimisation mechanisms could expose children to compulsive use, harmful material and privacy violations.
NHRC Seeks Government Response
The NHRC has directed the MeitY Secretary to get the allegations in the complaint inquired into and submit an Action Taken Report to the Commission within two weeks of receiving the notice.
The Commission has also directed that a copy of the report be sent to the email address of the concerned NHRC Bench.
The notice has been issued under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Under the Act, the NHRC is mandated to protect and promote human rights and has powers of a civil court for conducting inquiries under Section 13.
Calls For Independent Audits and Stronger Safeguards
The complaint sought broader intervention from the NHRC over child safety on social media platforms.
Among other measures, the complainant requested that the Commission call for detailed reports from Meta and relevant government authorities and examine the company’s compliance with existing child-protection provisions.
It also sought independent audits of Meta’s child-safety systems and an assessment of the adequacy of India’s existing regulatory mechanisms.
The complainant further requested stronger child-safety-by-design obligations and coordination between MeitY, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Data Protection Board of India.
The complaint also called for a comprehensive Child Online Safety and Age-Assurance Framework aimed at protecting children’s dignity, privacy and safety in the digital environment.
MeitY Asked To Submit ATR Within Two Weeks
The NHRC’s notice makes clear that the Commission has sought an official response from MeitY on the allegations. The Ministry has been asked to have the matter investigated and submit its Action Taken Report within two weeks.
The Commission has also instructed public authorities to submit communications in the matter through the HRCNet Portal. It stated that reports or responses sent merely through email may not be entertained.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
