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Google Follows Meta, Proposes Direct CSAM Information Sharing with MHA's I4C
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CNBC TV18•21-09-2026, 21:50
Google Follows Meta, Proposes Direct CSAM Information Sharing with MHA's I4C
- •Google has proposed a direct mechanism to share information on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases with India's I4C, an MHA office.
- •This move mirrors Meta's recent decision, coming amidst increased government pressure on tech platforms regarding online child safety.
- •Traditionally, Google and Meta routed CSAM reports through the US-based NCMEC, a process Indian officials criticized for potential delays.
- •The proposal aims to streamline reporting, enabling faster police action in cases where children might be at immediate risk.
- •Google's decision comes as regulatory scrutiny intensifies, with the government expecting platforms to strengthen child safeguards or risk losing legal protection under IT Rules.
Key Questions Answered
Google has proposed a direct information-sharing mechanism with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), an office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, to report cases related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Global technology firms like Google and Meta traditionally routed child-exploitation reports through the US-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which then shared the information with law enforcement agencies in relevant countries.
The government warned that intermediaries failing to comply with statutory obligations under the IT Rules could lose their legal protection under Section 79 of the IT Act and face consequential action or prosecution.
