ABSTRACT
As the technology grows and digital platform widens, online child abuse had started increasing.
This research focuses on how the Indian justice system deals with these crimes and ways which they implement to protect children online.
This study analyses key laws like the Information Technology Act, POCSO Act and section of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (previously Indian Penal Code) and analyses how they aim to address these challenges.
It also pinpoints issues in tracking criminals due to the anonymity when using the internet and the delay in getting justice.
This paper also provides deeper insights on how policeand courts approach these kinds of cases. It also specifies the role of National Crime Records Bureau and government efforts like Cyber Crime prevention against women and children scheme, which aims to tackle these offences .It also highlights the need for raising awareness in communities for preventing abuses.
To conclude, this paper aims to provide possible suggestions to strengthen current legal policies, bridging enforcement gaps to prevent vulnerable children from being exploited online and creating a safer virtual environment so that children still have access to the digital world, to be on part with the modern era while also being secure and ensuring that their rights are protected.
- INTRODUCTION
The internet can be a great place for the children to learn, communicate, socialise and play exposing them to new ideas and more diverse sources of information. But with these opportunities, comes the serious risk of online abuse.
Any abuse that happens on the internet is online abuse. It can happen anywhere across any device that is connected to the internet.Cybercrime is not only about hacking or cracking but it includes extortion, child pornography, cyber bullying, grooming and other similar offences.
Law enforcement officials are frustrated by the difficulty in tracing the perpetrators of online abuse, as the internet’s nature allows the users to be anonymous.They also face challenges while enforcing the law,as online abuse often transcends geographical boundaries.
This research highlights the gravity of the issue and also aims to analyse justice system responses to these crimes, evaluate existing legal framework and identify gaps and limitations in delivering justice. This study also aspires to foster awareness among the stakeholders and encourage global collaboration to create a safe digital world for children.