India Urges Acceleration of AI Tool for Child Abuse Material Detection

India's Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has directed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to accelerate two child safety initiatives. These include an AI-based tool for detecting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM) online, and social media guidelines for technology companies. The minister identified both as immediate priorities during a review on October 13.

The AI detection tool aims to proactively identify CSEAM online, rather than relying on complaints. NCPCR is developing the tool in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Specific details regarding the tool's launch date, technical specifications, platforms covered, or procedures for reporting and removal have not been disclosed.

Additionally, the NCPCR is developing social media guidelines for technology companies. The commission's chairperson, V. Prem Chand, updated the minister on this initiative, but the content, legal standing, or expected issuance date of these guidelines remain unspecified. The minister urged the expeditious implementation of both initiatives.

The minister also emphasized that complaints received by NCPCR should be handled "sensitively, responsibly and expeditiously," with full support for complainants. An administrative directive was also issued to clear all pending files by December 31, 2026.

This push follows months of scrutiny over platform child safety. NCPCR has previously investigated Meta and Indian authorities ordered Instagram to shut down ads linked to CSEAM. Officials have also called for major social media platforms to implement measures such as parental consent for minors and user verification.