PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Uttarakhand Police have launched a special cyber awareness campaign to protect children from online exploitation and spread awareness about online safety. The campaign highlights that viewing, downloading, storing or sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is a serious criminal offence and can lead to imprisonment. Police said that they are following a zero-tolerance policy against crimes involving the online exploitation of children.
According to the Special Task Force (STF) and Cyber Crime Police, 52 cases related to cyber offences involving CSAM were registered in June. Police warned that even downloading or keeping such content on a mobile phone or computer is a punishable offence. Officials said every online activity leaves a digital footprint, making it easier for investigating agencies to identify and trace offenders.
STF senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh appealed to the public to stay alert and act responsibly while using the internet. He urged people to immediately report any suspicious online activity related to child exploitation instead of downloading or sharing such content. He said that public awareness and timely reporting are important to protect children and create a safer digital environment. The police also advised parents to regularly monitor their children’s online activities, educate them about safe internet use and the dangers of talking to strangers online and ensure they do not share personal information. If anyone comes across any content related to CSAM, they should immediately report it to the cyber helpline 1930 or the nearest police station or Cyber Crime police station.
