NCPCR issues notice to online platforms over child sexual abuse material

NEW DELHI: Taking a serious view of child sexual abuse material circulating online and of reports warning of spike in users accessing such content during lockdown, the national commission for protection of child rights has issued notices to Google, Twitter, WhatsApp and iOS, Apple India.
The commission has started an independent inquiry on availability of CSAM online. Based on evidence found so far, the NCPCR has given these online platforms time till April 30 to respond to the notice. The commission wants to know from them the policy followed by them to prevent CSAM on their platforms, the number of complaints received related to pornography and CSAM and what is their policy in dealing with such cases.
The NCPCR led by chairman Priyank Kanoongo has reported and forwarded the details of links, handles and other details where they found such abusive material to the Union home ministrys cyber crime portal for action.
In its notices to all platforms, NCPCR cites a recent report by India Child Protection Fund that warns of a steep spike in those searching for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online during the lockdown. The NCPCR then goes on to point out that the commission is now carrying out an independent inquiry.
"It is noticed during inquiry that pornographic material is accessible through the Apps available on Google Play Store. This is enabling accessibility of the children to such material. There is also possibility that the CSAM is also available on these Apps," it is stated in the notice to Google India.
In the notice to Apple India iOS, it is stated that the commission noticed that CSAM and pornographic material is rampant and easily accessible through Apps available on iOS.
During inquiry it was also noticeRead More – Source

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