NHRC Member Flags Meta-UNICEF Funding Ties Amid CSAM Scrutiny

Meta, the social media giant, has drawn the attention of Indian authorities once more due to concerns surrounding alleged child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoon has called upon the women and child development (WCD) ministry to investigate the financial relationship between Meta and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

According to Kanoon, UNICEF has reportedly offered assistance to Indian authorities in the ongoing government probe into CSAM on Meta's platforms. It has been revealed that Meta has provided "millions of dollars" to UNICEF, and continues to fund the organization. Kanoon has expressed concerns that this financial relationship could lead to a conflict of interest, given that UNICEF is actively involved in child-protection work while Meta faces allegations of exploitative content.

The NHRC member has urged the government to prevent Meta from using UNICEF as a shield to avoid accountability and ensure that the organization is not serving Meta's interests. Kanoon has already informed the WCD ministry, external affairs ministry, home affairs ministry, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre about the matter, urging Indian authorities to consider the alleged conflict of interest during investigations and enforcement actions.