New Delhi, August 5: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, police chiefs of several states, and Meta India in response to allegations regarding the availability of obscene and objectionable content related to children on social media platforms. 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, which claimed that certain links available on Meta’s platforms, Instagram and Facebook, contain obscene material unsuitable for children and may allegedly include Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
NHRC member Priyank Kanungo stated that if the allegations are found to be true, it would constitute a serious violation of children’s human rights and could be punishable under various laws, including the POCSO Act and the Information Technology Act.
The commission has specifically requested reports from the Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of West Bengal, Odisha, Haryana, New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Bihar, instructing them to investigate the URLs and digital evidence attached to the complaint through their Cyber Crime Units and Special Juvenile Police Units.
If the investigation indicates a cognizable offense, an FIR should be registered, and legal action should be taken against those responsible for creating, uploading, publishing, or disseminating the alleged content. Furthermore, if any 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, as well as measures to prevent such content from being re-uploaded and long-term strategies to enhance online child safety.
Meta India has been instructed to provide information regarding actions taken to remove or restrict access to the alleged content, and to preserve relevant accounts, metadata, IP logs, digital records, and other evidence. The commission has also asked Meta what actions have been taken to notify local police or Special Juvenile Police Units if CSAM is found in the content.
All relevant parties have been directed to submit their action reports to the NHRC within a week.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.