Role Of Digital Exposure And Modernization In The Growth Of POCSO Cases In Rajasthan
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Suraj Prakash Verma, Research Scholar, Career Point University
Dr Mithlesh Malviya, Associate Professor & Research, Career Point University
ABSTRACT
The number of cases registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) has gone up by a shocking 40% in India, rising from 47,335 in 2019 to 53,874 in 2021 and over 67,000 cases by 2023. The five states with the highest number of child sexual abuse cases, including Rajasthan, are of particular interest in exploring the relationship between digital transformation and child sexual abuse. In this paper, the author explores the causal as well as correlational relations between rapid digital exposure (characterized by penetration of smartphone technology, cheap mobile data, social media and online education) and the reported rise in cases in Rajasthan. This paper reviews secondary sources from various agencies such as the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), peer-reviewed academic literature, and government reports, to examine how digital modernization introduces new avenues for child vulnerability, including online grooming, cyber pornography, sextortion, and the commercialization of CSAM. The paper also delves deeper into the socio-legal context of the state of Rajasthan, highlighting the enforcement gaps, lack of digital literacy and victim-support infrastructure. It ends with policy recommendations based on evidence to support the digitisation agenda in Rajasthan with strong child protection frameworks.
The internet provides an easy platform for predators to exploit children, particularly at an early age. The internet is a convenient medium through which children, especially young children, can be exploited.
Keywords: POCSO Act, Rajasthan, Digital Exposure, Online Child Sexual Abuse, NCRB, Cyber Grooming, Child Protection, Modernization, CSAM, Digital Divide
