In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has established an Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention/Investigation Unit at its headquarters in New Delhi. This unit, which falls under the jurisdiction of CBI’s Special Crime Zone, has nationwide territorial coverage.
Functioning of the OCSAE Unit
The OCSAE unit will handle investigations of offenses encompassed by several legal provisions — from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act, among others. Another critical role that this unit will undertake is the collection and dissemination of information regarding online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
An International Concern
Online child sexual abuse and exploitation are issues that extend beyond national boundaries. The dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), in particular, has attracted a considerable amount of international attention. References related to the spread of CSAM have been received from Interpol and other national/international organizations, emphasizing the global nature of this problem.
About Central Bureau of Investigation
The CBI is India’s leading police investigation agency. It operates under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances’ supervision. However, any investigations concerning the Prevention of Corruption Act fall under the authority of the Central Vigilance Commission. As India’s nodal agency, the CBI coordinates investigative efforts on behalf of Interpol member countries.
A Brief Overview of Relevant Laws
| Law | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Indian Penal Code (IPC) | It covers all Indian criminal laws and is the main criminal code of India. |
| Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act | This Act provides a robust legal framework for the protection of children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. |
| Information Technology (IT) Act | The IT Act deals with cyber crimes and electronic commerce, and is applicable to any offence or contravention committed outside India by any person. |
The Role of CBI in the Prevention and Investigation of Online Child Sexual Abuse
The creation of the OCSAE unit highlights the commitment of the CBI to combat the increasing issue of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. This proactive approach can significantly strengthen child protection measures by enabling the efficient detection and investigation of such heinous crimes, thereby deterring potential perpetrators by ensuring they face stringent legal penalties.