The Dark Side of the Internet: Cyber-Crime Against Children and the Law
- YourLawArticle
- Sep 6
- 1 min read
Written by: Aditya Bisen , 4th Year Student , B.A.LL.B , School of Law, Lovely Professional University
Abstract
Children now have a plethora of educational, social, and informational options because to the digital revolution. They now face significant dangers of cybercrime, too, as a result of the same technical improvements. Children are especially susceptible to risks including cyberbullying, online grooming, child pornography, dark web trafficking, and identity theft because of their psychological immaturity, curiosity, and reliance on online platforms. The scope and complexity of these offences have increased due to adolescents' growing use of digital devices and social media.
Protections against the online exploitation of kids are provided in India by laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, which are complemented by the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. International agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Budapest Convention8 on Cybercrime highlight the need of states to safeguard children online. To evaluate the efficacy of legal solutions, this article uses a doctrinal and analytical approach, looking at legislative provisions, court rulings, and comparative international frameworks.
The study finds that although there are laws to prevent cybercrime against minors, their implementation is still very difficult because of jurisdictional complications, online anonymity, and low levels of cyberliteracy among stakeholders. To guarantee a safer online environment for kids, it ends by suggesting a multifaceted strategy that includes improved legislative protections, technology safeguards, digital literacy initiatives, and international collaboration.
KEYWORDS: Cyber-crime against children; Online child exploitation; Cyberbullying; Online grooming; POCSO Act; Information Technology Act; UNCRC.
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