CBI establishes specialised unit to prevent and investigate cases of online child sexual abuses

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has set up an Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention/Investigation Unit at its New Delhi office.

This specialised unit will collate and disseminate information regarding any adverse publication, transmission, creation, browsing, downloading, promoting, exchanging and distribution of information relating to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The territorial jurisdiction of the CBI OCSAE Prevention/Investigation unit will be throughout India, said an official statement.

Cases under child sexual abuse and exploitation will be booked under provisions of Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 (32 of 2012) and the Information Technology Act 2000 (21 of 2000) and various laws of the land, as applicable.

“Rapid growth of the internet and information and communication tools over the past two decades has created unparalleled opportunities for children and adults alike to learn and explore the world around them. However, these technologies have simultaneously created a new dimension, wherein the sexual exploitation of children can multiply, if unchecked. Children, every day, all around the world, are prone to suffer online sexual abuse and exploitation,” said a senior officer with the CBI.

The CBI has come across numerous references related to dissemination of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) received from Interpol and other national/international organisations. The anti-crime investigating agency has observed that many online cases of child sexual abuses and exploitation generally transcends across international borders. Besides, the victims are mostly helpless innocent children.

Keeping in mind the increasing number of digital crimes against children, the CBI established OCSAE Prevention/Investigation Unit.