Government Strengthens Online Safety for Children Against CSAM on Social Media
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Indian government has taken strict action against child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on social media platforms, reinforcing the legal framework under the IT Act and IT Rules 2021. Recent reports of CSAM advertisements on social media prompted the government to seek detailed reports from intermediaries and NCPCR to issue notices.
Background
The IT Act, 2000 and IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provide a framework to tackle illegal and harmful content online. Recent amendments address AI-generated content and deepfakes, mandating labeling and traceability.
Key facts
Government seeks detailed reports from social media platforms on CSAM advertisements.
NCPCR has issued notices to relevant social media platforms regarding CSAM.
IT Act prescribes punishment for cyber crimes like identity theft (Section 66C), impersonation (66D), privacy violation (66E), and publishing obscene/sexual content (Sections 67, 67A, 67B).
IT Rules 2021 require intermediaries to remove content depicting nudity, private parts, or artificially morphed images within 2 hours of complaint.
Recent amendments mandate removal of illegal content within 3 hours of court order or government direction.
Intermediaries must report crimes under IPC, BNSS, or POCSO Act to appropriate authorities.
AI-generated content must have clear labeling and traceable metadata to prevent misuse.
Platforms must ensure user awareness about legal consequences of illegal AI-generated content.
Government aims to ensure an open, safe, trustworthy, and accountable internet for users, especially women and children.
Prelims pointers
- IT Act, 2000
- IT Rules, 2021
- NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights)
- POCSO Act, 2012
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Section 66C, 66D, 66E, 67, 67A, 67B of IT Act
- CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material)
- Deepfake
- Synthetic Generated Information (SGI)
Mains angles
- Discuss the effectiveness of IT Rules 2021 in combating online child sexual abuse material.
- Critically examine the role of intermediaries in ensuring online safety, especially for children.
- Evaluate the impact of AI-generated content regulations on freedom of speech and privacy.
- Analyze the coordination between NCPCR, law enforcement, and social media platforms in tackling CSAM.