New Delhi, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has forwarded a representation to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, raising concerns over the reported financial association between UNICEF and Meta amid allegations involving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on the social media company’s platforms.
In a communication issued on Thursday, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo sent the representation received from the Legal Rights Observatory to Women and Child Development Secretary Anil Malik for information and appropriate consideration.
The representation, submitted by Legal Rights Observatory Convener Vinay Joshi, flagged UNICEF’s reported financial association with Meta Platforms Inc., as reflected in the organisation’s annual reports for 2024 and 2025. It also questioned the implications of UNICEF’s collaborative engagements with child-rights institutions and stakeholders on digital safety.
Kanoongo described the matter as one of “serious concern”, citing reports of paid CSAM-related activities and the circulation of objectionable content through Meta-owned platforms, which are reportedly under examination by law-enforcement agencies.
“Of particular concern are allegations that content involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is being monetised, thereby generating revenue from material depicting the abuse of children,” he said.
The NHRC member said the reported financial contributions by Meta to UNICEF and similar organisations raised questions about the purpose and utilisation of funds, particularly in advocacy and institutional engagements. He cautioned that such associations could potentially lend institutional legitimacy to a platform facing serious allegations and undermine child-protection efforts.
The Legal Rights Observatory urged authorities to examine the nature of the UNICEF-Meta financial association, the contributions recorded in annual reports and how the funds were being utilised. It expressed apprehension that the support could indirectly facilitate advocacy and outreach initiatives projecting Meta as a responsible child-protection stakeholder.
Kanoongo also forwarded the communication to the Secretaries of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology, and External Affairs, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
He requested the Women and Child Development Ministry to examine the matter and take appropriate action in the interest of child protection.
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