CHILD ABUSE REPORTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE: ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND CYBER LAWS

AUTHORS – SUMIT KUMAR SINGH* & DR. RAJEEV KUMAR SINGH**

* STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY LUCKNOW, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT AMITY UNIVERSITY LUCKNOW, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS. ORCID ID – HTTPS://ORCID.ORG/0009-0000-6751-280X

BEST CITATION – SUMIT KUMAR SINGH & DR. RAJEEV KUMAR SINGH, CHILD ABUSE REPORTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE: ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND CYBER LAWS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (3) OF 2026, PG. 177-187, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The rapid growth of digital technologies and social media platforms has significantly transformed the nature and scope of child abuse in contemporary society. While the internet has created unprecedented opportunities for communication, education, and social interaction, it has also facilitated new forms of exploitation, particularly against children. Online child abuse manifests through activities such as cyber grooming, dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), online harassment, and exploitation through digital platforms. Social media networks, messaging applications, and online forums have increasingly become spaces where offenders exploit anonymity and technological tools to target minors. Consequently, the reporting and regulation of such offences have become a critical concern within modern legal systems.

This research paper examines the role of social media platforms and cyber laws in addressing the reporting of child abuse in the digital age. It analyzes the legal framework governing online child protection in India, particularly focusing on the obligations created under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the Information Technology Act, 2000. The study highlights how mandatory reporting provisions, intermediary liability rules, and cybercrime regulations contribute to the detection and reporting of offences involving children in online environments. It also explores the role played by digital intermediaries such as social media companies in monitoring user-generated content, implementing technological tools for detection, and cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

Furthermore, the paper identifies several challenges associated with reporting online child abuse, including underreporting, jurisdictional complexities, technological barriers, and concerns related to privacy and freedom of expression. The research emphasizes the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, enhanced technological solutions, and improved coordination among governments, law enforcement agencies, and digital platforms. Ultimately, the study argues that effective protection of children in cyberspace requires a comprehensive approach that integrates legal accountability, technological innovation, public awareness, and international cooperation.

Keywords: Child Abuse, Cyber Law, Online Exploitation, Mandatory Reporting, Social Media Regulation, Digital Child Protection.