From Pixels to Prosecution: Unveiling the Critical Media Literacy Imperative against CSEAM
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has declared that viewing, downloading, storing, possessing, distributing, or displaying child pornographic material constitutes a criminal offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act. This ruling, delivered by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized the ongoing victimization of children through the permanent accessibility of abusive material online. Justice J.B. Pardiwala highlighted that the trauma is exacerbated by the knowledge that their abuse is continually watched by strangers, impeding their ability to heal.
The bench suggested Parliament amend the POCSO Act, replacing “child pornography” with “Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material” (CSEAM) for better accuracy. They also stressed strict measures to combat the spread of such content online, referencing Section 67B of the IT Act, which penalizes the creation, distribution, and viewing of obscene materials.
The ruling underscores the necessity for comprehensive sex education programs that address legal and ethical implications. Organizations like WHO and UNESCO prioritize adolescent health, yet there’s a gap in political commitment and resource allocation. Efforts like the NCERT’s Adolescence Education Program and the Ayushman Bharat School Health Programme work towards bridging this gap.
Additionally, the ruling raises the importance of media literacy to protect vulnerable individuals and promote responsible digital citizenship. It also addresses the phenomenon of “sharenting,” warning parents against excessively sharing their children’s lives online, which can compromise privacy and safety.
The Supreme Court’s verdict necessitates media literacy integration into educational curricula to raise awareness about online exploitation risks. This decision aims to foster a safer digital environment, emphasizing collective accountability in creating a responsible virtual space.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/opinion/story/from-pixels-to-prosecution-media-literacy-imperative-towards-cseam-1098853-2024-09-27?utm_source=rssfeed
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