NHRC flags rise in child abuse content on social media

Source: The post is based on the article “NHRC flags rise in child abuse content on social media” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Centre and states over a report that the circulation of child sexual abuse material on social media in India has increased by 250-300%.

What is Child sexual abuse material?

Child sexual abuse material consists of any visual depiction, including but not limited to photos, videos, and computer-generated imagery, involving the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

According to the media report, about 4,50,207 cases of the spread of child sexual abuse material have been reported in 2023 so far. Out of these, the Delhi Police has taken action only in 3,039 cases. 

What are steps taken by NHRC to tackle Child sexual abuse material on social media?

NHRC has been organizing dialogues from time to time in the recent past to come out with ways and means to check this menace.

In 2020, it organized an online national conference on the subject with valuable inputs from international organizations, and government ministries among others.

The commission also issued “Human Rights Advisory for the Protection of the Rights of Children in the Context of COVID-19” in 2020 and in 2021 wherein it made recommendations to the authorities concerned regarding cybercrime and online safety of children.