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In the vast, interconnected cosmos of the internet, where knowledge and connectivity are celebrated as the twin suns of enlightenment, there lurk shadows of a more sinister nature. Here, in these darker corners, the innocence of childhood is not only exploited but also scarred, indelibly and forever. The production, distribution, and consumption of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) have surged to alarming levels globally, casting a long, ominous shadow over the digital landscape. 

In response to this pressing issue, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has unfurled a comprehensive four-part advisory, a beacon of hope aimed at combating CSAM and safeguarding the rights of children in this digital age. This advisory dated 27/10/23 is not merely a reaction to the rising tide of CSAM, but a testament to the imperative need for constant vigilance in the realm of cyber peace.

The statistics paint a sobering picture. In 2021, more than 1,500 instances of publishing, storing, and transmitting CSAM were reported, shedding a harsh light on the scale of the problem. Even more alarming is the upward trend in cases reported in subsequent years. By 2023, a staggering 450,207 cases of CSAM had already been reported, marking a significant increase from the 204,056 and 163,633 cases reported in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Key Aspects of Advisory

The NHRC's advisory commences with a fundamental recommendation - a redefinition of terminology. It suggests replacing the term 'Child Pornography' with 'Child Sexual Abuse Material' (CSAM). This shift in language is not merely semantic; it underscores the gravity of the issue, emphasizing that this is not about pornography but child abuse. 

Moreover, the advisory calls for the definition of 'sexually explicit' under Section 67B of the IT Act, 2000. This step is crucial for ensuring the prompt identification and removal of online CSAM. By giving a clear definition, law enforcement can act swiftly in removing such content from the internet.

The digital world knows no borders, and CSAM can easily cross jurisdictional lines. NHRC recognizes this challenge and proposes that laws be harmonized across jurisdictions through bilateral agreements. Moreover, it recommends pushing for the adoption of a UN draft Convention on 'Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes' at the General Assembly.

One of the critical aspects of the advisory is the strengthening of law enforcement. NHRC advocates for the creation of Specialized State Police Units in every state and union territory to handle CSAM-related cases. The central government is expected to provide support, including grants, to set up and equip these units. 

The NHRC further recommends establishing a Specialized Central Police Unit under the government of India's jurisdiction. This unit will focus on identifying and apprehending CSAM offenders and maintaining a repository of such content. Its role is not limited to law enforcement; it is expected to cooperate with investigative agencies, analyze patterns, and initiate the process for content takedown. This coordinated approach is designed to combat the problem effectively, both on the dark web and open web.

The role of internet intermediaries and social media platforms in controlling CSAM is undeniable. The NHRC advisory emphasizes that intermediaries must deploy technology, such as content moderation algorithms, to proactively detect and remove CSAM from their platforms. This places the onus on the platforms to be proactive in policing their content and ensuring the safety of their users. 

New Developments 

Platforms using end-to-end encryption services may be required to create additional protocols for monitoring the circulation of CSAM. Failure to do so may invite the withdrawal of the 'safe harbor' clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000. This measure ensures that platforms using encryption technology are not inadvertently providing safe havens for those engaged in illegal activities. 

NHRC's advisory extends beyond legal and law enforcement measures; it emphasizes the importance of awareness and sensitization at various levels. Schools, colleges, and institutions are called upon to educate students, parents, and teachers about the modus operandi of online child sexual abusers, the vulnerabilities of children on the internet, and the early signs of online child abuse. 

To further enhance awareness, a cyber curriculum is proposed to be integrated into the education system. This curriculum will not only boost digital literacy but also educate students about relevant child care legislation, policies, and the legal consequences of violating them. 

NHRC recognizes that survivors of CSAM need more than legal measures and prevention strategies. Survivors are recommended to receive support services and opportunities for rehabilitation through various means. Partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders play a vital role in this aspect. Moreover, psycho-social care centers are proposed to be established in every district to facilitate need-based support services and organization of stigma eradication programs. 

NHRC's advisory is a resounding call to action, acknowledging the critical importance of protecting children from the perils of CSAM. By addressing legal gaps, strengthening law enforcement, regulating online platforms, and promoting awareness and support, the NHRC aims to create a safer digital environment for children. 

Conclusion 

In a world where the internet plays an increasingly central role in our lives, these recommendations are not just proactive but imperative. They underscore the collective responsibility of governments, law enforcement agencies, intermediaries, and society as a whole in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in the digital age. 

NHRC's advisory is a pivotal guide to a more secure and child-friendly digital world. By addressing the rising tide of CSAM and emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, NHRC reaffirms the critical role of organizations, governments, and individuals in ensuring cyber peace and child protection in the digital age. The active contribution from premier cyber resilience firms like Cyber Peace Foundation, amplifies the collective action forging a secure digital space, highlighting the pivotal role played by think tanks in ensuring cyber peace and resilience. 

References:

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nhrc-issues-advisory-regarding-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-internet-101698473197792.html
• https://ssrana.in/articles/nhrcs-advisory-proliferation-of-child-sexual-abuse-material-csam/
• https://theprint.in/india/specialised-central-police-unit-use-of-technology-to-proactively-detect-csam-nhrc-advisory/1822223/

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Introduction 

India has always been celebrated as the land of abundance, once known as the ‘golden bird’ that attracted the world with its prosperity and wisdom. In the current century, as the world moves deeper into the age where every nation is redefining its strength through advancements in every sector, including technology, India is preparing for a powerful transformation. “Viksit Bharat 2047” is an initiative aimed at achieving  India's aspiration of becoming a developed nation by its centennial year of independence. India’s growth story is shifting as it takes a step towards development in every field and advances progress both in terms of generating economic growth and breakthroughs in technologies across industries. 

Today, when technology touches every aspect of our lives, ‘Cyber Security’ becomes a key area that will significantly drive progress and hold strong importance under the Viksit Bharat vision, especially with the rise of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, cryptography, 5G & 6G, robotics and automation, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR) & virtual reality (VR) etc. 

Key Initiatives Taken by the Centre

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre: 

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide a framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. I4C is actively working on initiatives to combat emerging threats in cyberspace, and it has become a strong pillar of India’s cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention. The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’, equipped with a 24x7 cybercrime helpline number 1930,  is one of the key components of the I4C.

Recently under I4C, key initiatives were launched to strengthen cybersecurity. The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been incorporated to bring together banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, Internet Service Providers, and law enforcement agencies on a single platform to tackle online financial crimes efficiently. The Cyber Commandos Program will establish a specialised wing of trained Cyber Commandos in states, Union Territories, and Central Police Organisations to counter rising cyber threats. The Samanvay platform, a web-based Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facility System, has been introduced as a one-stop data repository for cybercrime to foster data sharing and collaboration. The Suspect Registry Portal, connected to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), has been designed to track cybercriminals and strengthen fraud risk management.

India’s AI Mission:-

The Indian Cabinet has approved a comprehensive national-level IndiaAI Mission. The mission aims to strengthen the Indian AI innovation ecosystem by democratizing computing access, improving data quality, developing indigenous AI capabilities, attracting top AI talent, enabling industry collaboration, providing startup risk capital, ensuring socially impactful AI projects, and bolstering ethical AI. Through India AI Mission, the government is facilitating the development of India’s own foundational models, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and problem-specific AI solutions tailored to Indian needs.

The mission is implemented by the 'IndiaAI' Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) and consists of several components, such as IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC), IndiaAI Datasets Platform, IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, IndiaAI Future Skills, IndiaAI Startup Financing, and Safe & Trusted AI. The main objective is to create and nurture an ecosystem for India’s AI innovation. 

Startup India:-  

With more than 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 15, 2025, India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on 16th January 2016 to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country, which will drive economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities.

Key Regulations:-

‍The Centre, in order to better regulate the cyber domain, has come up with significant regulations. To protect the personal data of citizens, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 has been enacted. The Intermediary Guidelines 2021 lay down obligations on social media platforms and intermediaries to ensure accountability and user safety. The Telecommunications Act 2023 has also been enacted. Further, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed by Parliament on 21st August 2025, aims to address related concerns. In addition, Cert-In issues guidelines & advisories from time to time, in order to strengthen cybersecurity.

CyberPeace Outlook 

CyberPeace has been at the forefront in transforming policy, technology, and ethical growth in the cyber landscape through its key initiatives. In 2023, CyberPeace hosted the Global CyberPeace Summit in collaboration with Civil 20 and G20 India, with knowledge support from the United Service Institution of India and participation from MeitY, NCIIPC, CERT-In, Zoom, Meta, InMobi, ICANN, Internet Society, MANRS, APNIC, and leading universities, which helped shape critical global conversations on trust, safety, and collaboration in cyberspace. 

Viksit Bharat 2047 is more than just a vision for economic success; it is a pledge to create a nation that is technologically secure, resilient, and globally competitive.  In this journey, cybersecurity will be at the heart of India's digital reboot, securing its innovation, empowering its citizens, and ensuring its future.

References

• https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/i4c-foundation-day-celebration-shri-amit-shah-launches-key-initiatives-to-tackle-cybercrime
• https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/indiaai-mission
• https://bharatarticles.com/viksit-bharat-2047-vision-challenges-and-roadmap-to-a-developed-india/
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2012355‍
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2093125

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Introduction

In today’s digital age, everyone is online, so is the healthcare sector worldwide. The latest victim of a data breach is Hong Kong healthcare provider OT&P Healthcare, which has recently suffered a data loss of 100,000 patients that exposed their medical history, and caused concern to the patients and their families. This breach has highlighted the vulnerability in the healthcare sector /industry and the importance of cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information. This blog will explore the data breach, its impact on patients and families, and the best practices for safeguarding sensitive data.

Background: On 13 March 2023, an incident took place where the Cybercriminals deployed a variety of methods to breach the data, which included phishing attacks, malware, and exploiting software vulnerabilities. OT&P Health Care exploits the sensitive data of the patients. According to OT&P Healthcare, it is working together with law enforcement and has hired a cybersecurity firm to investigate the incident and tighten its security procedures. Like other data breaches, the inquiry will most certainly take some time to uncover the actual source and scope of the intrusion. Regardless of the cause of the breach, this event emphasises the significance of frequent cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability testing, and proactive data protection measures. Considering the dangers in the healthcare sector must be cautious in preserving the personal and medical records of the patients as they are sensitive in nature.

Is confidentiality at stake due to data breaches?

Medical data breaches represent a huge danger to patients, with serious ramifications for their privacy, financial security, and physical health. Some of the potential hazards and effects of medical data breaches are as follows:

• Compromise of patient data: Medical data breaches can expose patients’ sensitive information, such as their medical history, diagnoses, treatment, and medication regimens. If history is highly personal and reaches the wrong hands, it could harm someone’s reputation.
• Identity theft: the data stolen by the cybercriminals may be used by them to open credit accounts and apply for loans, Patients can suffer severe financial and psychological stress because of identity theft since they may spend years attempting to rebuild their credit and regain their good name.
• Medical Fraud: Medical data breaches can also result in medical fraud, which occurs when hackers use stolen medical information to charge insurance companies for services that were not performed or for bogus treatments or procedures. Medical fraud may result in financial losses for patients, insurance companies, and individuals obtaining ineffective or risky medical care.

Impact on patients

Data breach does not cause financial loss but may also profoundly impact their mental health and emotional well-being. let’s understand some psychological impacts:

• Anxiety and Stress: Patients whose medical data has been affected may experience feelings of stress and anxiety as they worry about the potential consequences of the data loss can be misused.
• Loss of faith: Patients may lose faith in their healthcare providers if they believe their personal and medical information needs to be properly As a result, patients may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information to their healthcare professionals, compromising the quality of their medical care.
• Sense of Embarrassment: Patients may feel disregarded or ashamed if their sensitive medical information is revealed, particularly if it relates to a sensitive or stigmatised This might lead to social isolation and a reluctance to seek further medical treatment.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Patients who have experienced a data breach may have PTSD symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviour. This can have long-term consequences for their mental health and quality of life.

Legal Implications of Data Breach

Patients have certain legal rights and compensations when a healthcare data breach occurs. Let’s have a look at them: –

• Legal Liability: Healthcare providers have a legal obligation to protect data under various privacy and security laws if they fail to take appropriate measures to protect patient data, they may be held legally liable for resulting harm.
• Legal recourse: Patients whose healthcare data leak has impacted them have the legal right to seek compensation and hold healthcare providers and organisations This could involve suing the healthcare practitioner or organisationresponsible for the breach.
• Right to seek compensation: the patients who have suffered from the data loss are liable to seek compensation.
• Notifications: As soon as a data breach takes place, it impacts the organisation and its customers. In this case, it is the responsibility of the OT&P to
• notify their patients about the data breach and inform them about the consequences.
• Take Away from OT &P Healthcare Data Breach: with the growing data breaches in the healthcare industry, here are some lessons that can be learned from the Hong Kong data breach.
• Cybersecurity: The OT&P Healthcare data breach points to the vital need to prioritisecybersecurity in healthcare. To secure themselves, hospitals and the healthcare sector must use the latest software to protect their data.
• Regular risk assessments: These assessments help find system vulnerabilities and security issues. This can assist healthcare providers and organisationsin taking the necessary actions to avoid data breaches and boost their cybersecurity defences.
• Staff Training: Healthcare workers should be taught cybersecurity best practices, such as detecting and responding to phishing attempts, handling sensitive data, and reporting suspected security breaches. This training should be continued to keep workers updated on the newest cybersecurity trends and threats.
• Incident Response Strategy: Healthcare providers and organisations should have an incident response policy in place to deal with data breaches and other security concerns. This strategy should include protocols for reporting instances, limiting the breach, and alerting patients and verified authorities.

Conclusion

The recent data breach in Hong Kong healthcare impact not only the patients but also their trust is shaken. As we continue to rely on digital technology for medical records and healthcare delivery, it is essential that healthcare providers and organisations take proactive steps to protect patient data from cyber-attacks and data breaches.

References

https://www.marketing-interactive.com/otp-healthcare-apologises-over-data-breach-patients-reportedly-impacted

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3219827/personal-data-medical-history-100000-patients-may-have-been-leaked-cyberattack-hong-kong-healthcare

https://www.teiss.co.uk/news/hong-kongs-otp-healthcare-exposes-the-medical-history-of-100000-patients-12170