The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken a decisive step in addressing concerns related to the alleged portrayal of potentially indecent acts involving mothers and sons on YouTube.
In an official notice issued on Wednesday, the apex child rights body summoned a representative from YouTube India, specifically the head of government and public policy, to appear in person on January 15.
The NCPCR has requested the YouTube official to provide a comprehensive list of all channels featuring content of this nature, along with details about the channels running such content.
In an official letter addressed to Mira Chatt, NCPCR Chief Priyank Kanoongo highlighted the commission's concern regarding 'challenge videos' on YouTube, which reportedly depict inappropriate interactions, including kisses, between mothers and adolescent sons. Kanoongo stated that these videos violate the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Kanoongo emphasised the severity of the issue, stating, "YouTube will have to fix this. Offenders will have to go to jail. Commercialization of such videos is like selling porn. Any platform which features videos where children have been sexually abused will have to go to jail."
Expressing serious concerns about the potential harm to a child's well-being and safety, the NCPCR emphasised that these videos are being viewed by audiences, including minors, thereby heightening the level of concern.
The child rights body stated, "If you fail to comply with this order without lawful excuse, you will be subjected to the consequences of non-attendance."
