1. NCPCR instructs YouTube to share details of channels displaying “potentially indecent acts with mothers and sons” by January 29.
2. Commission aims to file FIRs against account owners, citing the offenses as cognizable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
3. NCPCR emphasizes the need for police involvement in such cases and states that POCSO Act addresses child sexual abuse, regardless of gender.
New Delhi, Jan 16: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed YouTube to provide details of channels hosting content involving “potentially indecent acts with mothers and sons” by January 29.
NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo stated that the commission aims to file FIRs against the account owners, considering it a cognizable offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Kanoongo emphasized that the focus is on initiating legal proceedings against offenders rather than seeking content removal through the IT Act.
Section 15 of the POCSO Act imposes strict penalties for storing or possessing child pornography, aiming to combat the circulation of explicit content involving minors.
During a meeting with three representatives of YouTube India, Kanoongo clarified that the commission hasn’t approached the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for content takedown under the IT Act.
Instead, the commission aims to involve the police and pursue legal actions against those responsible for the objectionable content. Kanoongo highlighted the importance of treating offenses involving both genders equally under the gender-neutral POCSO Act.
He stressed the need to address the issue promptly and initiate proceedings if mothers are found involved in sexually abusing their sons.
Section 15 of the POCSO Act prohibits the storage or possession of any child pornography, imposing imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine. For those engaged in storing such content for commercial purposes, the penalties escalate to three to five years on first convictions and five to seven years on subsequent convictions.
Also Read: Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Nitin Gadkari for Poor Highways in Nagaland
Kanoongo had previously summoned Mira Chatt, the head of YouTube India’s government affairs and public policy, under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act.
The commission sought a list of challenges involving minors on YouTube and details of channels participating in them.
Inputs were shared with police departments across various states, leading to the Maharashtra State Cyber Cell filing an FIR against a YouTube channel, its operator, and YouTube India.
The NCPCR’s approach underscores its commitment to addressing child safety concerns through legal channels and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
