New Delhi, August 5: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has responded to allegations regarding the availability of child-related obscene and objectionable content on social media platforms. Notices have been issued to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, police chiefs from several states, and Meta India. The commission has requested an action taken report (ATR) from all parties within a week.
This action follows a complaint from a non-profit organization. The complaint alleges that Meta’s platforms, Instagram and Facebook, contain links that are pornographic in nature, inappropriate for children, and may include Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Priyank Kanungo, a member of the NHRC, stated that if the allegations are substantiated, it would represent a serious violation of children’s human rights. Such actions could be punishable under various laws, including the POCSO Act, the Information Technology Act, and the Indian Penal Code.
The NHRC has specifically requested reports from the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the head of law enforcement at Meta India within a week.
The commission has directed the DGPs of Odisha, Haryana, New Delhi, West Bengal, Chandigarh, and Bihar to investigate the URLs and digital evidence attached to the complaint through their cybercrime units and special juvenile police units.
If the investigation reveals indications of a cognizable offense, an FIR should be filed. Authorities are to identify and take legal action against the creators, uploaders, publishers, broadcasters, or any other responsible parties associated with the alleged content.
Additionally, if a child is identified as a victim, immediate rescue, medical assistance, psychological counseling, rehabilitation, and other legal support must be provided.
The NHRC has also inquired about the steps taken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to remove, block, or restrict access to the alleged objectionable URLs. Furthermore, the ministry has been asked about measures to prevent the re-uploading of such content and what long-term steps are proposed to strengthen online child safety.
Meta India has been instructed to provide information regarding actions taken to remove or restrict access to the alleged content. They are also required to secure relevant accounts, metadata, IP logs, digital records, and other evidence.
The NHRC has asked Meta about the actions taken to inform local police or special juvenile police units if CSAM is found in the content.
All involved parties must submit their action reports to the NHRC within a week.
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