Regulatory Actions Against Child Sexual Abuse Material on Social Media

Meta's senior executives have been summoned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology due to advertisements linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms. This matter is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for General Studies Paper 2 and 3, focusing on governance and cyber security. Last Updated: 14-09-2026

Key Facts About Regulatory Actions Against CSAM

• POCSO Act, 2012: Enforces criminal liability for CSAM-related offenses, requiring mandatory reporting to authorities.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: Section 67B penalizes electronic dissemination of CSAM, while Section 79 offers conditional legal immunity to intermediaries.
• IT Rules, 2021: Mandates social media platforms to use automated tools for CSAM detection and appoint compliance officers in India.
• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Enables citizens to report cybercrimes involving children.
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Coordinates cybercrime investigations and enforcement.
• UNCRC, 1989: An international agreement ratified by India in 1992, outlining children's rights.

India's Efforts in Combating Online Child Exploitation

India's regulatory framework against CSAM is pivotal in safeguarding children's rights and aligns with the country's strategic goals of ensuring digital safety and security. With initiatives like the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and international collaborations, India aims to strengthen its cybercrime response, reflecting its commitment to global standards in child protection.

UPSC Relevance

For UPSC aspirants, this topic is relevant to GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) and GS Paper 3 (Cyber Security, Technology). In Prelims, questions could focus on the provisions of the POCSO Act, IT Act, and related international conventions. For Mains, candidates might explore themes around digital governance, child rights, and international cooperation in combating cybercrime.

FAQ Section

• What is CSAM? CSAM refers to child sexual abuse material, which includes any content that depicts sexually explicit acts involving children.
• Why is addressing CSAM important? Addressing CSAM is crucial to protect children's rights and ensure their safety both online and offline, aligning with national and international legal frameworks.
• What are the key features of India's legal framework against CSAM? India's legal framework includes the POCSO Act, IT Act, and IT Rules, 2021, which collectively enforce strict penalties and require proactive measures from intermediaries to combat CSAM.