Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi has instructed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to expedite two child-safety initiatives: an AI-based tool to detect child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) online, and social media guidelines for technology companies. The directive was issued during a review at the commission’s office on October 13, emphasizing these as immediate priorities, according to medianama.com.
The AI detection tool is being developed by NCPCR in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its goal is to proactively identify CSEAM online without relying on complaints or reports. During the meeting, the Minister received a briefing on the project’s progress, which remains under development. NCPCR Chairperson V. Prem Chand also updated the Minister on the creation of social media guidelines for technology companies, both initiatives receiving the Minister’s directive for swift implementation, as reported by medianama.com.
The move reflects growing government focus on child safety in digital spaces, addressing challenges in identifying and removing harmful content proactively. While the AI tool aims to automate detection of CSEAM, the social media guidelines are intended to regulate technology companies’ responsibilities, though details on their legal status or issuance timeline have not been disclosed. This aligns with broader efforts to strengthen online child protection frameworks amid rising concerns over digital abuse, per medianama.com.
The project briefing and directives were confirmed on October 13, with no launch date or technical specifics provided yet. The next official updates are expected from NCPCR and MeitY as the AI tool and social media guidelines progress toward implementation, according to medianama.com.