The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a stringent stance regarding child safety on social media and the moderation of online content. The commission issued formal notices to social media giant Meta and the Directors General of Police (DGPs) across eight states following reports of objectionable and age-inappropriate content on Instagram and Facebook. The human rights body expressed grave concern that the content hosted on these platforms could potentially include Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), marking a severe breach of statutory child protection standards.
Potential Criminal Charges Under Child Protection Laws
Elaborating on the gravity of the situation, NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo emphasized that if investigations confirm the availability of paid content containing CSAM on Instagram, it would constitute a punishable offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Kanoongo noted that the severity of the allegations demands a comprehensive criminal investigation. He added that should the material be verified as illegal, law enforcement agencies must register a formal First Information Report (FIR) directly against Meta to ensure corporate accountability.
Fifty Specific Web Links Submitted for Investigation
To facilitate immediate law enforcement action, the rights panel compiled and handed over a list of 50 specific URLs to the designated investigative authorities. The NHRC instructed the police departments of the eight states to thoroughly examine these links and initiate appropriate legal measures wherever violations are verified. The panel highlighted that because the content reportedly crosses thresholds set by stringent child protection frameworks like the POCSO Act, investigators must swiftly establish liability and determine whether platform operators or individual uploaders bear primary responsibility.
Warning of Federal Intervention Against Errant Officials
The commission issued a clear warning regarding potential administrative negligence during the probe. Priyank Kanoongo stated that if state law enforcement fails to commence investigations promptly despite receiving the 50 URLs, the NHRC will escalate the matter to the Government of India. The panel intends to request the concerned Union Ministry to initiate disciplinary proceedings against inactive or incompetent police officers and government officials. The commission underscored that investigating the flagged content remains the mandatory duty of the designated state authorities.
IT Ministry Secretary Named as Party to Proceedings
Reinforcing the regulatory scope of the inquiry, the NHRC has formally joined the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as a party to the case alongside state police chiefs. Joint technical and legal evaluations by state police units and IT ministry officials will determine whether the flagged links breach the POCSO Act or the Information Technology framework. This regulatory scrutiny underscores growing demands for accountability regarding how major technology companies safeguard minors on their digital platforms.
