Fighting child porn

CORRECTING an ‘egregious error’ made by the Madras High Court, the Supreme Court has ruled that downloading and watching sexually explicit content involving children are offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act. This implies that even viewing child pornographic material — without storing or sharing it — is tantamount to its possession. The landmark judgment is expected to go a long way in curbing the all-pervasive menace of sexual exploitation of children.

Kids are vulnerable to being targeted by predators everywhere — at home, on the school campus and in public places. Sexual abuse of minors is the elephant in the room, particularly in countries like India. Fearing ignominy, victims’ families tend to sweep the sordid matter under the carpet. In many cases, close family members commit these despicable crimes behind a veil of secrecy. With UNICEF flagging the widespread use of digital technologies as a factor behind this menace, it is very important to safeguard kids and deter potential offenders with a robust legal mechanism. The POCSO Act does have some stringent provisions, but their diverse interpretations by high courts have proved to be a stumbling block.

Child pornography — the very term is on the way out as the Supreme Court has told courts not to use it in any judicial order or judgment and instead prefer ‘child sexual exploitative and abuse material’. This sends out a strong message to society at large that such acts will be countered with a zero-tolerance approach. Sexual harassment in any form leaves the kids psychologically scarred for life. It adversely impacts not only their studies and relationships — their entire personality, in fact. It is hoped that the SC’s intervention will motivate parents, educators and others to talk openly about sexual matters without a sense of stigma or shame. These stakeholders must also monitor the smartphone usage of children to ward off harmful influences.