The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken a significant step to strengthen children’s digital safety by deploying artificial intelligence to detect and prevent online child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This move comes amid rising concerns about the growing prevalence of harmful content targeting minors on digital platforms. The commission aims to leverage AI to identify abusive content more efficiently, enabling authorities to act quickly to protect vulnerable children.
According to NCPCR officials, the integration of AI tools allows for real-time monitoring of online spaces where children are most exposed, such as social media platforms and messaging applications. The technology can flag suspicious material and prioritize it for investigation, reducing the time between detection and intervention. This approach is seen as crucial, given the volume of data shared online daily, which makes manual monitoring nearly impossible.
The initiative also complements NCPCR’s ongoing efforts to address child rights violations. Over the past six months, the commission has handled thousands of complaints related to child abuse, rescuing hundreds of children from unsafe situations and ensuring they receive appropriate care and rehabilitation. The AI deployment is expected to enhance these capabilities, making intervention faster and more precise.
In addition to monitoring, NCPCR plans to streamline its complaint systems and data management, ensuring consistent tracking and reporting of cases. Training programs for staff and collaboration with technology partners are also underway to maximize the effectiveness of AI tools while maintaining ethical standards and data privacy.
Officials emphasized that the success of this program relies on collaboration between government authorities, educators, parents, and digital platforms. By combining AI technology with community engagement, NCPCR aims to create a safer online environment for children, ensuring that their rights are protected in both physical and digital spaces. This initiative represents a major advancement in India’s efforts to address online child exploitation proactively.
