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Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSEAM)

Instances of CSEAM are on the rise. Investigation of cybercrime is a complex phenomenon and requires exhaustive knowledge of technology, digital forensics and open source intelligence. As it is not a traditional crime and a digital crime,  the investigators need to be trained with the latest techniques and tools in order to investigate and mitigate cybercrimes against children. 

Need

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In this digital age, online child sexual abuse has emerged as a significant threat, with children being exposed to exploitation, grooming, and trafficking via online platforms. The rapid growth of internet access and social media platforms in rural and urban areas has made children more vulnerable to digital crimes i,e CSEAM. It is a global problem and unfortunately, India is not immune to it. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of CSEAM. There is no standardised mechanism for the detection and prosecution of CSEAM cases, identification and rehabilitation of victims are also major challenges. Compounded by its cross-border nature, addressing this issue requires international collaboration and cohesive strategies.

Approach

Through the implementation of a systematic, highly focused, and intensive intervention model, we can effectively address the root causes of such heinous crimes. 


Introducing the PICKET strategy which offers a holistic and time-bound approach to tackle the issue of CSEAM –

  • Policy intervention for prevention, protection, prosecution, regulation, monitoring, rehabilitation, and tracking of financial transactions. 

  • Investment in research, infrastructure and technology, capacity building, strengthening of institutions, and victim identification and rehabilitation.

  • Convergence, Coordination, and Cooperation between various stakeholders, bodies, agencies, and internet service providers at international, national and district levels.

  • Knowledge and awareness enhancement of all stakeholders such as children, parents, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and institutions for prevention, enhanced reporting, time-bound investigation, and prosecution.

  • Ecosystem for promoting safe online space through behavioural change, convergence among different stakeholders, and by affixing accountability of all stakeholders at different levels.

  • Technology usage for investigation, regulation, monitoring, maintaining of database, and time-bound dissemination of information.

Action

  • Partnership at Central and State level law enforcement agencies 

  • Technology and training support to police and government

  • Policy and institutional strengthening for reporting, response mechanism, regulation, tracking, monitoring, and rehabilitation of victims 

  • Creation of child protection unit within the State nodal offices for handling cybercrimes

  • Intervention through legal guidance, human resource and technical support to cyber investigating officers

  • Capacity building of cyber officials for identification and investigation of CSEAM cases

  • Targeted stakeholder awareness and inclusion of digital literacy in school curriculum

  • Facilitation of tools and softwares, SOP development  and creation of knowledge hub

  • Targeted deterrence messaging on public web

  • Legal aid to the victims to reintegrate and reinstate back into society

  • Counselling support as part of every case, with mental health interventions where needed 

  • Investment in technologies and software to tackle CSEAM cases at all stages

  • Events and consultations to create awareness and enhance policy level engagement

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