Google India and Telegram Executives Appear Before NCPCR Over Child Sexual Abuse Material

Senior executives of Google India and Telegram appeared before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on October 22, 2026, to answer questions about child sexual abuse material on their platforms. The Times of India reported that the commission will give them around 10 days to submit responses. Google India is the Indian subsidiary of Google International LLC, serving over a billion users with Search, YouTube, Maps, Gemini AI and Google Ads.

What the NCPCR Asked Google India and Telegram

During the hearing, both Google India and Telegram officials sought time to submit their response, sources said. The NCPCR will provide them with a questionnaire and give them around 10 days to submit their replies. The commission asked Telegram what action was taken in response to allegations that CSEAM material was redirected to users on its platform, and what safety measures exist to prevent such cases. Google India was asked to provide details of measures in place to prevent CSEAM cases and its reporting mechanism. The NCPCR also sought to know what Google India is doing about reports that nudify apps are on offer on the Google Play Store.

Meta's Response Under Scrutiny

Meta has submitted its response following the appearance of Meta India chief Arun Srinivas and senior executives before the NCPCR last month, and that response is under scrutiny, sources in the commission said. The inquiry was instituted after the NCPCR took cognisance of allegations concerning paid advertisements on Instagram that allegedly facilitated access to CSAM and CSEAM. The matter originally arose after reports by BBC Eye alleged that paid advertisements using terms such as "rape video" and "child video" were displayed on Instagram and redirected users to Telegram channels where such material was allegedly offered for sale. The NCPCR has now expanded the ambit of its scrutiny to Telegram and Google.

Google India's Scale in the Indian Market

According to akta.pro company records, India represents Google's largest market globally by user base with over a billion users. Gross advertising revenue in FY25 ending March 2025 was Rs 34,742 crore, up 11.3% from the prior year, while net advertising revenue was Rs 2,694.4 crore after payouts. Revenue from operations declined 3.2% to Rs 5,340 crore in FY25 from Rs 5,518 crore, and total income was Rs 6,116 crore including other income.

Earlier Google India Engagements

In October 2026, Google India launched the 'Google Search - Samjhe. Samjhaaye. Raah dikhaye.' campaign to showcase AI Mode's helpfulness in Search, featuring a film where a young man uses AI Mode to structure a business plan for his café, LBBOnline reported. In September 2026, Google India was reviewing its creator mandate and seeking a retainer agency, with Collective Artists Network previously handling the work, Storyboard18 reported. In August 2026, Delhi Traffic Police partnered with Google India and MapMyIndia to provide real-time alerts about accident-prone areas and speed limits on digital navigation maps, The Indian Express reported.

Next Steps for Google India

The NCPCR will provide Google India and Telegram with a questionnaire and give them around 10 days to submit their replies.