E-Paper
Ludhiana cyber cell forms special teams to check child porn
Though the cyber cell is dependent on US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which keeps a check on such content shared in private groups and inbox, it also scans social networking sites to identify the offenders who post or circulate such content
The cyber cell has formed special teams to keep tabs on child pornography on social networking sites and messaging applications in an attempt to trace offenders in minimum time.
The cyber cell uses IP address and IMEI number of devices to detect criminals. Though the cyber cell is dependent on US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which keeps a check on such content shared in private groups and inbox, it also scans social networking sites to identify the offenders who post or circulate such content.
Recently, the Ludhiana police had traced and arrested two persons for sharing objectionable content on Instagram, a photo and video sharing platform.
Sub-inspector Jatinder Singh, in-charge of cyber cell -2, said NCMEC keeps a check on such content and informs the ministry of home affairs (MHA).
“The MHA further informs states about such violations. The cyber cell of states then sends the cases to districts. Police trace the mobile phones of the accused with the help of service providers," he added.
“Mostly youths share such content among their friends through WhatsApp groups and as private messages on social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As the police have no access to private messages being shared online, they are dependent on the agencies for information,” the cyber cell in-charge added.
Police commissioner Rakesh Agrawal said sharing child pornography is a punishable offence under Section 67-B (publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually explicit act in electronic form) of the Information and Technology Act.
The culprits will be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to ₹10 lakh and in the event of second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and also with fine which may extend to ₹10 lakh.
Recent incidents
On June 11, Vikram Singh, 20, of Bhagwan Nagar was arrested for sharing objectionable content. He works as an assistant to a photographer. A case has been registered against him at the police station of Division Number 6.
A day before, the police had arrested Ranjit Tiwari , 23, a resident of Gurpal Nagar. Tewari also worked as an assistant to a photographer. He had shared videos containing child pornography from his Instagram account.
