CBI Sets Up Online Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Unit
Online Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Unit
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India has set up an Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention / Investigation Unit at New Delhi under its Special Crime Zone.
The newly specialized unit will collect, collate, and disseminate information regarding publication, transmission, creation, collection, seeking, browsing, downloading, advertising, promoting, exchanging, distribution of information relating to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
According to a statement issued by CBI today (November 15), the investigation of such offences is covered under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 (32 of 2012) and the Information Technology Act 2000 (21 of 2000), and under various other laws.
It may be noted that the rapid growth of the internet and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) tools over the past two decades has created unparalleled opportunities for children and adults alike to learn and explore the world around them.
Today, in many countries, these technologies are ubiquitous – permeating every aspect of our lives – personal and professional, individual and social. These technologies have simultaneously created a new dimension, wherein the sexual exploitation of children can multiply, if unchecked. Children, every day, all around the world are prone to suffer online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Numerous references related to dissemination of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) are received from INTERPOL and other national as well as international organizations. The incidence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation generally transcends international borders. Victims are mostly helpless innocent children.
According to CBI, the territorial jurisdiction of the Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention / Investigation Unit of CBI will be throughout India.
