NHRC notice to Centre on child abuse ads on social media

The commission has sought specific, point-wise reports within two weeks from the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B), the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and the Delhi Police commissioner, according to proceedings dated Wednesday.

During the proceedings, it was reported that paid advertisements on the social media site used phrases such as “rape video” and “child video” and redirected users to channels on a messaging platform where such material was allegedly available.

The NHRC directed MeitY to specifically state whether the reporting requirements under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, had been complied with. In case of non-reporting, the ministry was asked to state the reasons and identify the responsible officer or authority.