Understanding and Safeguarding Against Sexual Abuse While Live Streaming

What is Sexual Abuse While Live Streaming?

Sexual abuse while live streaming involves broadcasting the live recording of sexual exploitation of an individual, often targeting minors and adolescent girls. Predators exploit the naivety and vulnerability of children in the digital world by befriending them on social media networks, chat rooms, online gaming sites, and other platforms to abuse and exploit them sexually.

Why Should We Be Concerned?

This heinous crime leaves a profound impact on victims and their families. Children and adolescents who fall prey to such offenses endure extreme agony and trauma. This experience can be excruciatingly painful for both the child and their parents, leading to long-term psychological damage.

Fact Check

A report by Maharashtra crime officials reveals alarming statistics post-'Operation Blackface,' initiated in January 2020 to combat child sexual exploitation. Since the lockdown, 133 cases of child sexual exploitation and 46 arrests were recorded. There was a disturbing 95% increase in Pornhub traffic between March 24-26, 2020, highlighting a nationwide problem.

Modus Operandi

Offenders gain access through intermediaries, sometimes relatives or neighbors of the child, who coerce the child into performing explicit acts in front of a webcam. The abuse is live-streamed on platforms like Skype or webcam-supported chat sites, where offenders direct the acts in real-time via chat or voice. This crime is severely punishable by law.

Warning Signs

• Isolating themselves and showing extreme emotional reactions
• Substance abuse
• Desperation and frustration
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior
• Signs of fear, nervousness, anxiety, and depression

How Can We Safeguard Against This Offense?

Sexual abuse during live streaming can leave lasting trauma. It is crucial for parents to understand the impact and take measures to protect their children:

• Monitor Online Activities: Keep track of your child’s online interactions.
• Digital Awareness: Educate your child about online threats.
• Empowerment: Teach them to say “NO” to uncomfortable requests.
• Open Communication: Encourage them to share any discomfort they feel.
• Privacy Protection: Emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal information.
• Parental Controls: Enable security and privacy features online.
• Open Discussions: Maintain an open dialogue about their online experiences.
• Usage Agreements: Establish digital usage rules.
• Reporting: Report any abusive content on social media help centers.

Actions to Take if Affected by Sexual Abuse While Live Streaming

1. Report to Authorities: File a complaint at your nearest cyber crime police station.
2. Online Complaint: File an anonymous complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
3. Social Media Reporting: Report the incident to the social media platform's help center.

Legal Framework Against Sexual Abuse While Live Streaming

Laws for Children:

• POCSO Act: Sections 11 and 12 define and prescribe punishment for sexual harassment of children.
• IT Act: Section 67B addresses child pornography, with punishments up to 10 years of imprisonment.

Laws for Adult Women:

• IT Act: Section 67A addresses publishing sexually explicit electronic material, punishable by up to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine.
• IPC: Sections 507 and 509 address criminal intimidation and harassment, with punishments including imprisonment and fines.