CBI Sets Up Specialised Unit To Counter Online Child Sexual Abuse

The Central Bureau of Investigation has set up an online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention/Investigation unit at its headquarter in the national capital to counter the growing menace of child porn on the Internet. The unit has been set up under the special crime investigation wing of the CBI.

The new ‘specialised unit’ will collect intelligence not only on those who are allegedly creating and transmitting such material on the Internet but also those who are browsing and downloading such material, they said.

It seems to be a proactive step of the agency to counter child porn, officials said.

The perpetrators will be booked under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, they said.

It may be noted that the rapid growth of the Internet and Information & Communication tools over the past two decades has created unparalleled opportunities for children and adults alike to learn and explore the world around them. 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 On-line sexual abuse and exploitation.

Numerous references related to dissemination of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) are received from INTERPOL and other National / International Organizations, etc. The incidence of On-Line Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation generally transcends International borders. Victims are mostly helpless innocent children.

The territorial jurisdiction of the On-line Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention/Investigation Unit of CBI will be throughout India.