Social media platforms that fail to act swiftly against child sexual abuse material (CSAM) risk losing legal safe harbour protections under Indian law, Electronics & IT Secretary S Krishnan told NDTV Profit. According to reports from NDTV, Krishnan's remarks come after the platform reportedly failed to prevent access to child sexual abuse material for as little as ₹50. 'There is zero tolerance to such material,' Krishnan stated, emphasizing that 'no safe harbour will be given when this material is carried.'
Under India's Information Technology framework, intermediaries currently receive safe harbour protection provided they exercise due diligence and comply with legal obligations. As reported by NDTV, Krishnan suggested platforms cannot simply act as passive intermediaries when dealing with child sexual abuse material. 'They are expected to nip this in the bud. If they fail to do so, both the platform and the source of the content will be held equally liable,' he explained, indicating the government expects proactive detection rather than merely responding after illegal content is flagged.
The comments indicate that the government expects platforms to deploy technology, moderation systems and reporting mechanisms capable of preventing such content from circulating. According to NDTV, the issue assumes greater significance as India works on broader reforms to its digital regulatory framework, including new AI safeguards and updated intermediary obligations. Officials have repeatedly stated that emerging technologies should not weaken platform accountability, particularly where child safety is involved.
Krishnan reiterated that the government's approach towards CSAM remains uncompromising, as reported by NDTV. The remarks also come amid wider discussions within the government on online harms, children's safety and the responsibilities of digital platforms as social media usage continues to rise across India. The government's stance represents a hardening approach to platform accountability in the digital age.
