ABSTRACT
In today’s digital era, technology permeates every aspect of life, becoming especially integral during the COVID-19 pandemic. For children, the internet emerged as a crucial medium for learning and social engagement, leading to a rapid increase in child internet users – child netizens – across the globe. However, this digital expansion has proven to be a double-edged sword. Alongside its benefits, the internet has exposed children to significant risks, including rising incidences of cybercrime. In India, children have increasingly become targets of online exploitation, particularly in the form of cyber abuse and the circulation of child sexual abuse material. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, cases of child pornography and online sexual exploitation saw a drastic increase during 2020 and 2021. This chapter critically examines the nature of cyber offences committed against children in India and evaluates the effectiveness of the existing legal framework in addressing these crimes. Additionally, the chapter presents a quantitative analysis of case disposal rates by police and courts, highlighting the growing pendency in investigations and trials. It seeks to assess the responsiveness of India’s criminal justice system in safeguarding children from cyber threats and ensuring timely justice.
