The Maharashtra State Cyber Cell has filed a first information report (FIR) against a YouTube channel, its administrator, and a YouTube social media platform Indian representative after the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) discovered an alarming trend of CSAM on YouTube, with challenges depicting potentially sexually abusive acts involving mothers and their minor children.
The case was filed against the YouTube Representative under the POCSO Act, 678 of the IT Act (transmitting obscene movies), and IPC section 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to offend a woman’s modesty). A preliminary investigation by the state cyber unit revealed that the films of mother-child kissing were posted from Palghar.
“An investigation has been launched based on the FIR. People should exercise caution while sharing anything on social media,” said State Cyber Cell Special Inspector Inspector General Yashasvi Yaday.
The commission has identified an alarming trend of CSAM on YouTube, with challenges depicting suspected sexual abuse acts involving mothers and their minor children. These films attract viewers, especially minors, which presents serious problems.
Recently, the commission discovered a YouTube video named “XXXX vlogs” that depicts a troubling situation. In one of the films, a woman is shown taking part in a “XXXX challenge” with her minor child. Further investigation found that the operator of this channel lives in Maharashtra. This discovery raises serious worries about the child’s health and safety.
Last week, NCPCR Chief Priyank Kanoongo summoned Mira Chatt, YouTube’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy in India regarding certain videos portraying minors indecently. Kanoongo has asked Chatt to appear before the Commission in person on 15th January.
The NCPCR chief has stated that the organisation has observed an alarming trend of various challenges on YouTube portraying potentially indecent acts involving mothers and sons. “This raises serious concerns about the potential harm it could inflict on the child’s well-being and safety. These videos further are seen by minors which also raises significant concerns,” the letter by NCPCR read.
Kanoongo has asked Chatt to get a list of all indecent challenges being run on YouTube “portraying potentially indecent acts involving mothers and sons” and a list of channels on YouTube that further such challenges involving minors.