Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Govt’s Efforts to Curb Online Pornography

New Delhi : The Indian government is implementing stringent measures to combat online pornography while ensuring a safe and accountable digital environment for users. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an open, secure, and trustworthy internet. He emphasized that online obscenity and child exploitation will not be tolerated, and strong legal provisions are in place to address these issues.

Vaishnaw highlighted that the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 prescribes penalties for the publication and transmission of obscene content in electronic form. The Act specifically imposes stringent punishment for publishing or transmitting materials depicting sexually explicit acts, particularly those involving minors. He stated that existing laws act as a deterrent to cybercrimes related to online pornography and that continuous efforts are being made to enhance digital safety.

Referring to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Minister noted that intermediaries, including social media platforms, are required to adhere to strict due diligence obligations. One of the key provisions mandates that platforms remove any content within 24 hours if it exposes an individual’s private parts, depicts them in full or partial nudity, or portrays them in sexually explicit acts. The responsibility of monitoring and preventing the spread of such content falls on intermediaries, who must act swiftly upon receiving complaints or reports from users.

The government has also strengthened mechanisms to tackle cybercrimes, ensuring a robust redressal system is in place. The Cyber Crime Reporting Portal enables citizens to report cases of cyber harassment, child exploitation, and other digital offenses. Law enforcement agencies work in coordination with cybersecurity experts to track down offenders and enforce legal actions against them.

Additionally, Vaishnaw emphasized the need for public awareness and digital literacy programs. He pointed out that technology users must be educated on identifying, reporting, and protecting themselves from harmful online content. The government, along with various stakeholders, is actively promoting responsible internet usage through awareness campaigns.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) continues to engage with tech companies, digital platforms, and law enforcement agencies to refine regulatory frameworks. Regular consultations and discussions are held to ensure compliance with existing laws and to introduce necessary amendments in response to emerging challenges in the digital landscape.