Government Strengthens Online Safety for Children with Stricter Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Material on Social Media

Why in news

The government is reinforcing its policies and legal framework to ensure a safer internet for all users, particularly children, by mandating stricter actions and faster removal of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on social media platforms. This follows reports of CSAM dissemination and subsequent actions by the government and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3, GS4 · Governance, Polity, Society, Internal Security, Ethics · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Government policies aim for an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet for all users, including women and children.
2. The Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, form a stringent framework against unlawful and harmful digital content.
3. Serious concern has been raised regarding advertisements linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on social media platforms.
4. A detailed report has been sought from the concerned social media intermediary.
5. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued notices to social media platforms.
6. The IT Act, 2000, penalizes cyber offenses like identity theft (Section 66C), impersonation (Section 66D), privacy violations (Section 66E), and publishing obscene or sexually explicit content (Sections 67, 67A, 67B).
7. The IT Act empowers police to investigate cyber offenses (Sections 78 and 80).

Prelims pointers

• The IT Act, 2000, contains provisions against cyber offenses.
• Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act deal with publishing or transmitting obscene or sexually explicit content.
• The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, are part of the framework for digital content regulation.
• NCPCR is the statutory body responsible for child rights protection in India.

Mains practice question

Examine the legal and regulatory framework in India designed to protect children from online exploitation, particularly concerning child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on social media platforms. Discuss the effectiveness of these measures and suggest ways to further strengthen online safety for children.

Static linkage

The Information Technology Act, 2000, and its subsequent rules, including the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, are the primary legal instruments in India for regulating online content and addressing cybercrimes. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, to protect and promote child rights in India.

Significance

This development signifies the government's proactive stance in safeguarding children online by strengthening existing legal frameworks and demanding greater accountability from social media platforms. It highlights the critical role of legislation and regulatory bodies in combating online child exploitation and ensuring digital safety. The emphasis on faster removal timelines and due diligence is crucial for mitigating the spread of harmful content and protecting vulnerable populations.