SSRN 4842549
SSRN 4842549
ABSTRACT- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the internet in 2024, equating to 66.2 percent of the world’s
the rise of online grooming and exploitation of children in total population. [3] The vast majority of adolescents (age
India. This article examines the legal, technological, and 13-17) have access to smartphones (95%), computers
educational aspects of protecting children in the post- (90%), gaming consoles (83%), and tablets (65%) as of
pandemic digital landscape. Through a comprehensive 2023. Access to computers varies by household income,
qualitative methodology involving literature review, legal with lower-income households at 72%, middle-income at
analysis, and technological assessment, the article provides 87%, and higher-income at 94%. Smartphone access is
a critical and analytical approach to understanding the more evenly distributed, while gaming console access
tactics employed by online groomers, the psychological and differs by gender (91% of boys vs. 75% of girls). [4]
emotional impact on child victims, and the long-term Younger children's technology access is rising, with 31% of
effects of online grooming. It analyzes the tactics of online eight-year-olds having phones in 2021, up from 11% in
groomers, the impact on victims, and the challenges in
2015. [5]
implementing India's legal framework. The research
According to a recent study by Pew Research Center in
explores the role of technology in prevention and detection,
2023 nearly all teenagers (96%) use the internet daily, with
such as parental control software and AI algorithms, while
balancing safety and privacy. It emphasizes the importance 46% being almost constantly online, up from 24% in 2015.
of education and awareness to empower children and Time spent on the internet varies by age and race/ethnicity,
caregivers through digital literacy, safety skills, and open with older teens (15-17) more likely to report constant
communication. The article proposes a multi-faceted internet use compared to younger teens (50% vs. 40%). [6]
approach to strengthen India's response, including India has one of the world's largest child and adolescent
enhancing legal frameworks, investing in technology, populations, with over 444 million children [7] and the
promoting collaboration, and prioritizing child protection in world's largest youth population (ages 10-24) at around 356
the digital age. By adopting a comprehensive and child- million [8]. According to the Internet and Mobile
centred approach, India can become a global leader in Association of India (hereinafter referred to as 'IAMAI’)
safeguarding children's rights and well-being in the rapidly 'Digital in India' report 2019, an estimated 71 million
evolving digital world. children aged 5-11 years access the Internet on family
members' devices, making up about 14% of India's active
KEYWORDS- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology,
Child Protection, Children's Human Rights, COVID-19 Internet user base of over 500 million. [9]
pandemic, India, Online Grooming
I. INTRODUCTION
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has
transformed children's lives, creating both opportunities and
risks, particularly in the context of online grooming and
exploitation [1]. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (hereinafter
referred to as 'COVID-19') pandemic has accelerated
digitalization, making children more reliant on the internet
for education, entertainment, and social interaction [2]. As a
result, the risks of online grooming have become more
pronounced, necessitating a comprehensive understanding
of the issue and the development of effective protective
strategies. Figure 1: Statista.com: Report 2019 [10]
According to current data, 5.35 billion people are using
A. The Rise of the Digital Environment and Its Impact II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND
on Children APPROACH
The digital environment has become integral to children's
This research article employs a comprehensive, qualitative
lives, influencing their development and experiences [11]. methodology to examine the protection of children from
Increased connectivity has provided new avenues for online grooming in India's post-COVID-19 digital
learning, creativity, and self-expression [12]. However, it landscape. The research involves a thorough review and
has also exposed children to risks such as inappropriate analysis of existing literature, legal frameworks, and
content, cyberbullying, and online grooming. The technological solutions related to online grooming.
commercialization of children's online experiences has The methodology includes:
raised concerns about data privacy and exploitation. 1. Defining online grooming and its consequences
B. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Acceleration of through academic research and expert insights.
Digitalization 2. Analysing the psychological, emotional, and long-
term effects on child victims.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced children to rely more
3. Critically examining India's legal framework,
heavily on digital technologies for education, socialization,
including international conventions and domestic
and entertainment [13]. While these technologies have
legislation, and identifying challenges in
provided essential support, they have also amplified the implementation and enforcement.
risks of online grooming, as children spend more time 4. Exploring the role of technology in preventing and
online, often unsupervised [14]. Economic and social detecting online grooming, focusing on parental
stressors brought about by the pandemic have further control software, age verification systems, and AI
contributed to an increased risk of child exploitation [15]. algorithms.
C. The Heightened Risks of Online Grooming and 5. Investigating strategies for empowering children and
Exploitation caregivers through digital literacy and safety skills,
parental and educator responsibilities, public
Online grooming involves predators using digital awareness campaigns, and open communication.
technologies to establish trust and emotional connections 6. Synthesizing best practices, expert opinions, and
with children for the purpose of sexual exploitation [16]. evidence-based strategies to propose recommendations
The anonymity and accessibility of the internet have made for strengthening India's response to online grooming
it easier for groomers to target children [17]. The COVID- in the post-COVID-19 era.
19 pandemic has heightened these risks, as children may be
more vulnerable due to increased stress and isolation. The The article adopts a critical and analytical approach to
existing research and data, identifying gaps, challenges, and
consequences of online grooming can be severe and long-
opportunities for improvement. Relevant case studies and
lasting, including emotional trauma and mental health
examples are used to illustrate key points and provide
problems. practical insights.
To protect children in the post-COVID-19 era, a multi- By combining literature review, legal analysis,
faceted approach is needed, involving stronger legal technological assessment, and strategic recommendations,
frameworks, technological solutions, empowerment of this research contributes to a deeper understanding of online
children and caregivers, and multi-stakeholder grooming and offers a roadmap for enhancing India's
collaboration. By understanding the complexities of online response in the post-COVID-19 era.
grooming and adapting to the evolving digital landscape,
we can create a safer online environment for children. III. UNDERSTANDING ONLINE GROOMING
AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Online grooming is a complex and insidious process that
exploits the vulnerabilities of children in the digital
environment. To effectively combat this issue, it is essential
to have a comprehensive understanding of what online
grooming entails, the tactics employed by perpetrators, and
the profound impact it has on the lives of child victims.
A. Defining Online Grooming
Online grooming is a predatory behaviour involving the
building of a relationship with a child through digital
communication platforms to facilitate sexual abuse or
exploitation [18]. Groomers use manipulative strategies to
gain trust and cooperation, targeting vulnerable children
[19]. The ultimate goal is to exert control over the child and
engage them in sexual activities.
B. The Tactics Used by Online Groomers
Online groomers employ a range of tactics, categorized into
Figure 2: Organization Chart Showing Types of four stages: friendship formation, relationship formation,
Online Child Sexual Abuse risk assessment, and exclusivity [20]. Groomers establish
bonds, intensify emotional connections, introduce sexual grooming and protect children from sexual exploitation in
themes, assess the child's vulnerability, and create a sense the digital environment.
of exclusivity. This exclusivity makes it difficult for the 1. The Protection of Children from Sexual
child to disclose the abuse and seek help [21]. Offences Act, 2012
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
C. The Psychological and Emotional Impact on Child
Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as 'POCSO Act'),
Victims
comprehensively protects children from sexual
The psychological and emotional impact on child victims assault, harassment, and pornography. [29]
can be severe and long-lasting, including shame, guilt, fear, It criminalizes online solicitation of children for
confusion, betrayal, and mistrust. [22] The trauma can lead sexual purposes and the use of children for
to depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder pornographic purposes. [30]
(hereinafter referred to as 'PTSD'), and self-harm
behaviours [23]. The digital nature of online grooming can 2. The Information Technology Act, 2000
exacerbate the psychological distress, as the permanence The Information Technology Act, 2000
and potential dissemination of sexual abuse material create (hereinafter referred to as 'IT Act'), amended in
ongoing trauma and fear of discovery [24]. 2008, includes provisions related to child
pornography and online grooming. [31]
D. The Long-Term Effects of Online Grooming It criminalizes the publication or transmission of
The long-term effects persist into adulthood, impacting sexually explicit material depicting children [32]
mental health, relationships, sexual functioning, and sense and empowers the government to block access to
of self [25]. Survivors may engage in risky behaviours as a such content [33].
means of coping [26]. The effects extend beyond the 3. The Indian Penal Code, 1860
individual victim, affecting families and communities. While not specifically addressing online grooming
To protect children and support victims, a comprehensive or Child Sexual Abuse Material (hereinafter
approach is needed, involving education, stronger legal referred to as 'CSAM'), the Indian Penal Code,
frameworks, and accessible, trauma-informed services. 1860 (hereinafter referred to as 'IPC') criminalizes
Understanding the complex dynamics of online grooming the sale, distribution, and possession of obscene
and its impact is crucial for developing effective strategies materials involving children [34], as well as
to safeguard children in the digital age. stalking through digital means [35].
C. Challenges in Implementing and Enforcing Legal
IV. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR Provisions
COMBATING ONLINE GROOMING IN INDIA
Despite the existence of a comprehensive legal framework
India has taken significant steps to combat online grooming to combat online grooming and protect children from sexual
and protect children from sexual exploitation in the digital exploitation in the digital environment, India faces several
environment. The legal framework for addressing this issue challenges in effectively implementing and enforcing these
consists of both international conventions and guidelines, as provisions.
well as domestic legislation. However, challenges remain in 1. Lack of awareness and understanding among law
effectively implementing and enforcing these legal enforcement, judiciary, and the public.
provisions. 2. Limited resources and capacity of law enforcement
agencies to investigate and prosecute online
A. International Conventions and Guidelines
grooming cases.
India is a signatory to several international conventions and 3. Lack of coordination and collaboration among
guidelines that aim to protect children from sexual abuse stakeholders.
and exploitation, including online grooming.
To address these challenges, India needs to invest in
1. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of training, capacity building, public awareness campaigns,
the Child and multi-stakeholder collaboration. By strengthening the
India ratified the United Nations Convention on legal framework and its implementation, India can create a
the Rights of the Child (hereinafter referred to as safer online environment for children and protect them from
'UNCRC') in 1992, committing to protect children online grooming.
from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
[27] V. THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN
2. The Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, PREVENTING AND DETECTING ONLINE
Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography GROOMING
India ratified the Optional Protocol on the Sale of
Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Technology plays a crucial role in both facilitating and
Pornography (hereinafter referred to as 'OPSC') in combating online grooming. While digital platforms have
2005, agreeing to criminalize and address the sale been exploited by perpetrators, they also offer innovative
of children, child prostitution, and child solutions for preventing and detecting such crimes. This
pornography, including online solicitation of section explores technological approaches to safeguarding
children for sexual purposes. [28] children, including parental control software, age
verification systems, artificial intelligence (hereinafter
B. Indian Legislation referred to as 'AI'), and machine learning (hereinafter
India has enacted several domestic laws to combat online referred to as 'ML') algorithms. It also discusses the
importance of collaboration between law enforcement and empowering children and caregivers to navigate the digital
technology companies, and the need to balance child safety environment safely and responsibly. This section explores
with privacy concerns. the importance of developing digital literacy and safety
skills for children, the crucial role of parents and educators,
A. Parental Control Software and Age Verification
public awareness campaigns and resources, and fostering
Systems
open communication and trust.
Parental control software allows parents to monitor and
restrict children's online activities, helping to prevent A. Developing Digital Literacy and Safety Skills for
exposure to online groomers and harmful content [36]. Children
However, its effectiveness depends on parents' digital Digital literacy and safety skills are essential for children to
literacy and the software's robustness. Age verification protect themselves from online grooming and other digital
systems ensure that only users above a certain age can risks. Integrating digital literacy and safety education into
access specific platforms or content, but implementing school curricula is crucial, and many countries have
reliable systems remains a challenge. [37] developed frameworks and guidelines for this purpose.
Parents and caregivers also play a vital role in teaching and
B. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
reinforcing digital safety skills at home.
Algorithms
AI and ML algorithms can analyse vast amounts of online B. The Crucial Role of Parents and Educators
data to identify patterns and red flags associated with Parents and educators are the primary gatekeepers and role
grooming behaviour. [38] Examples include Microsoft's models for children's digital lives. Parents have a
Project Artemis [39] and AI tools developed by Facebook responsibility to monitor their children's online activities,
[40] and Google [41] to detect and remove CSAM. The set boundaries, and create a safe and trusting environment.
effectiveness of these algorithms depends on the quality and Educators have a duty of care to protect students from
diversity of training data and the ability to balance false online harms and provide them with the necessary
positives and negatives. knowledge and skills. However, parents and educators face
challenges and require training, tools, and support to
C. Collaboration Between Law Enforcement and
effectively guide and protect children.
Technology Companies
Collaboration between law enforcement and technology C. Public Awareness Campaigns and Resources
companies is essential for preventing and detecting online Public awareness campaigns and resources educate the
grooming. [42] Examples include the National Center for wider community about online grooming and promote
Missing and Exploited Children (hereinafter referred to as digital safety. Notable examples include the UK's
'NCMEC') in the US, the Internet Watch Foundation "ThinkUKnow" campaign [46] and Australia's "eSafety
(hereinafter referred to as 'IWF') in the UK, and the Commissioner" [47] website. Social media [48] and digital
Canadian Centre for Child Protection. However, this platforms [49] can also be leveraged to reach a wider
collaboration raises concerns about privacy and data audience. The effectiveness of these campaigns depends on
protection, requiring a balance between reporting criminal factors such as relevance, accessibility, engagement, and
activity and protecting user privacy. sustainability.
D. Balancing Child Safety with Privacy Concerns D. Fostering Open Communication and Trust
The use of technology to prevent and detect online Fostering open communication and trust is essential for
grooming raises questions about the balance between child creating a safe and supportive environment for children to
safety and privacy. [43] Excessive monitoring may limit discuss their online experiences and seek help. Open
children's opportunities [44] and undermine trust, while communication involves creating a non-judgmental and
data collection and analysis may violate privacy rights. AI empathetic space, while trust involves building a reliable
and ML algorithms raise concerns about algorithmic bias, and consistent relationship with children. Challenges
transparency, and accountability. To balance child safety include peer pressure, social norms, and personal barriers
with privacy, technological solutions must be proportionate, that discourage disclosure and help-seeking. Creating a
transparent, and accountable, with clear legal standards, culture of digital safety and well-being that normalizes and
user control over data, and regular audits [45]. encourages open communication and trust is essential.
In conclusion, technology plays a vital role in preventing In conclusion, empowering children and caregivers
and detecting online grooming, but it is not a panacea. A through education and awareness is critical for preventing
holistic approach combining technological solutions with online grooming. Developing digital literacy and safety
public awareness, education, and stakeholder collaboration skills, supporting parents and educators, launching public
is needed. By striking the right balance between child safety awareness campaigns, and fostering open communication
and privacy, we can harness technology to create a safer and trust are essential strategies for creating a safer digital
digital environment for children. environment for children.
D. Prioritizing Child Protection in the Digital Age By adopting a comprehensive, adaptable, and child-
centred approach to combating online grooming, India can
Preventing and responding to online grooming requires a
emerge as a global leader in child protection in the digital
multi-stakeholder approach involving collaboration and
age and build a brighter future for all its citizens.
cooperation among governments, civil society In conclusion, the fight against online grooming is a
organizations, technology companies, and international complex and ongoing challenge requiring sustained
partners. commitment, collaboration, and innovation from all
1. Establish a national multi-stakeholder task force or stakeholders. By prioritizing child protection and adopting a
working group on online child protection. comprehensive and adaptable approach, India can safeguard
2. Actively participate in global efforts to combat the rights and well-being of its children and build a more
online child sexual exploitation and abuse. resilient and inclusive society.
3. Strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation
with other countries and international ACKNOWLEDGMENT
organizations.
The author would like to extend sincere appreciation and
gratitude to all the researchers whose work is referenced in
this paper for their invaluable contribution in shaping the
39) K. Lyons, “Microsoft releases tool to scan for child ABOUT THE AUTHORS
‘grooming’ in online chats,” The Verge, Jan. 14, 2020.
https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21063491/microsoft- Dr. Deepika Rani is a distinguished
tool-artemis-abuse-chat-xbox (accessed May 09, 2024). legal scholar and practitioner, currently
40) “New Technology to Fight Child Exploitation | Meta,” Meta, serving as a Researcher in Human Rights
Oct. 24, 2018. https://about.fb.com/news/2018/10/fighting- Law and an Advocate at the Honourable
child-exploitation/ (accessed May 09, 2024). High Court of Judicature at Allahabad
41) N. Todorovic, “Using AI to help organizations detect and (Lucknow Bench), Uttar Pradesh, India.
report child sexual abuse material online,” Google, Sep. 03, Her multifaceted career encompasses
academic excellence, groundbreaking
2018. https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-
research, and extensive practical legal
europe/using-ai-help-organizations-detect-and-report-child- experience.
sexual-abuse-material-online/ (accessed May 09, 2024).
She is academic achievements are
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exemplified by her Ph.D. in Human
grooming: an industry perspective," Trends & issues in
Rights Law from the prestigious
crime and criminal justice, vol. 379, 02-07-2009 2009. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar
[Online]. Available: University, a Central University in
https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi379. p. 2, Lucknow. Her doctoral research, focused
43) S. Livingstone and M. Stoilova, "The 4Cs: Classifying on the Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
online risk to children," in "CO:RE Short Report Series on on children's rights in Lucknow, has
Key Topics," Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung | Hans- garnered widespread acclaim for its
Bredow-Institut (HBI), Hamburg, 2021. p. 11. empirical rigor and potential to inform
44) V. BOSTAN, D. PARFENE, D. DURBAILO, and E. policies and practices aimed at protecting
OSTAFI, "The risks and rewards of limiting children’s the rights of children in times of crisis.
online activity," presented at the Technical Scientific Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Rani's
Conference of Undergraduate, Master, PhD students, contributions extend to the realm of legal
Technical University of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova, April practice, where she serves as an advocate
5-7, 2023, 2023. p. 289. at the highest court of the state, the
45) G. Berman and K. Albright, "Children and the Data Cycle: Honourable High Court of Judicature at
Rights and Ethics in a Big Data World," ArXiv, vol. Allahabad (Lucknow Bench). Her
extensive practical experience spans
abs/1710.06881, 2017. p. 3.
various legal domains, including civil,
46) CEOP, “Thinkuknow parents and carers campaign,” criminal, human rights, and corporate
Ceopeducation.co.uk, 2022. law, underscoring her versatility and
https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/professionals/our- depth of knowledge.
views/thinkuknow-parents-and-carers-
Dr. Rani's research has been widely
campaign/#:~:text=Today%20we%20are%20launching%20 disseminated through publications in
a,the%20internet%20with%20their%20children (accessed reputed national and international peer-
May 09, 2024). reviewed journals, including UGC-Care
47) “eSafety commissioner & Gen Z creatives tackle online listed journals, solidifying her position as
abuse - AdNews,” Adnews.com.au, 2023. a thought leader in the field of child
https://www.adnews.com.au/news/esafety-commissioner- rights protection and human rights law.
and-gen-z-creatives-tackle-online-abuse (accessed May 09, With her unique combination of
2024). academic excellence, cutting-edge
48) “The Cybersmile Foundation | My Life Warrington,” research expertise, and practical legal
Mylifewarrington.co.uk, 2024. acumen, Dr. Deepika Rani stands as a
https://www.mylifewarrington.co.uk/kb5/warrington/director prominent figure in the legal fraternity,
y/service.page?id=tFRXK3LWRNo#:~:text=The%20Cybers dedicated to advancing the cause of
mile%20Foundation%20is%20a,safer%2C%20more%20pos human rights and ensuring the protection
itive%20digital%20community (accessed May 09, 2024). of the most vulnerable members of
49) Angela Munoz Aroca, “New IWF campaign kicks off to society.
boost internet safety in Uganda and Zambia - UK Safer
Internet Centre,” UK Safer Internet Centre, Feb. 24, 2021.
https://saferinternet.org.uk/blog/new-iwf-campaign-kicks-
off-to-boost-internet-safety-in-uganda-and-zambia (accessed
May 09, 2024).