AI-generated child abuse content is on the rise. Explore India’s legal gaps, international developments, and solutions—crucial for UPSC, SSC, and banking exams.
Introduction: A New Threat to Child Safety in the Digital Era
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for innovation—it is now contributing to grave issues like digital child abuse. The AI Safety Report 2025, jointly released by the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the AI Security Institute, has, for the first time, highlighted this global danger.
This topic is not only a key current affairs issue for UPSC, SSC, and banking aspirants, but also crucial for understanding cyber law, technology policy, and ethics.
What is CSAM, and How is AI Involved?
Definition of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material):
Refers to photos, videos, or audio content depicting sexually explicit acts involving a child.
With AI, such material can now be created without involving real children, yet the content appears disturbingly lifelike.
Why AI-Generated CSAM Is Dangerous:
Even if the content is fake, the psychological impact is real.
It encourages pedophilic behavior and normalizes abuse.
Due to its rapid spread and difficulty in detection, it becomes harder to control.
The UK’s New Law: A Step Toward Future-Ready Legislation
The UK is set to become the first country to criminalize the use, creation, or possession of AI tools that can generate CSAM.
Key Features of the New Law:
Creating, owning, or distributing AI tools capable of generating CSAM will be illegal.
Even possessing paedophile manuals that instruct on how to use such tools will be banned.
Authorities will be able to intervene at the preparation stage of the crime.
AI-generated fake child imagery will now be recognized as criminal, even if no real child is involved.
UPSC Preparation Tip:
This shift from ‘person-centric’ to ‘tool-centric’ legal frameworks reflects how law evolves with technology—an important insight for GS Paper II and Ethics.
India’s Current Situation: Are We Prepared?
Alarming Statistics:
As per NCRB 2022, cybercrimes against children have sharply increased.
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) reported 1.94 lakh child pornography cases as of April 2024.
69.05 lakh cyber tip-line reports were shared with states and UTs till March 2024.
Existing Legal Provisions in India:
| Law | Key Provision |
|---|---|
| IT Act 2000 (Section 67B) | Punishes electronic transmission/publication of sexually explicit content involving children |
| POCSO Act 2012 | Sections 13-15 prohibit use of children in pornographic content |
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Sections 294, 295) | Prohibits distribution or public display of obscene materials to children |
Where Do the Gaps Lie?
These laws do not address AI-generated CSAM.
Intermediaries, including VPNs, VPS, and cloud services, lack accountability in current frameworks.
What Should Be India’s Next Steps?
India must modernize its legal and policy framework to meet emerging technological threats:
Suggested Reforms:
Replace the term ‘child pornography’ with ‘CSAM’ in the POCSO Act (NHRC Advisory, 2023).
Define ‘sexually explicit’ under Section 67B of the IT Act for better real-time detection and blocking.
Include VPNs, VPS, and cloud services as ‘intermediaries’ under the IT Act for legal accountability.
Amend laws to address risks from emerging technologies.
Actively support the UN Draft Convention on countering the use of ICT for criminal purposes.
Ensure the proposed Digital India Act 2023 incorporates specific provisions targeting AI-generated CSAM, inspired by the UK model.
Important Exam-Oriented Insights
Link between AI and law – helpful for ethics, cyber law, and governance topics.
Compare India’s stance with global developments – key for UPSC GS Paper II and essay writing.
Understand digital safety and child rights – relevant for social justice and constitutional law.
Remember recent international and national reports: October 2024 (IWF), February 2025 (UK AI Safety Report).
Why This Topic Matters for Aspirants
Grasping how technology challenges legal frameworks is essential for civil services and other exams.
Helps in essay writing, GS papers, and interviews when discussing AI, ethics, or digital governance.
Offers insights into policy innovation and children's rights, important for both prelims and mains.
✍️ Key Takeaways for Exam Preparation:
Remember the full form and meaning of CSAM.
Compare UK's proposed law vs. India’s existing legal gaps.
Memorize relevant sections of the IT Act 2000 and POCSO Act 2012.
Prepare short notes or essays on AI and child protection law in India.
Stay updated with Atharva Examwise blog for timely policy updates and exam insights.
👉 For expert UPSC preparation tips, smart SSC strategy, and current banking exam insights, follow Atharva Examwise—your trusted guide for competitive success.
