Efficacy of the POCSO Act, 2012 in Curbing Victimization of Children in the Offence of Child Pornography

Abstract

The Internet offers plenty of opportunities for adults as well as children in imparting knowledge about anything that is in existence with the universe. Yet, it has some negative consequences. It contributes to the rampant increase of sexual abuse and exploitation such as pornography. Children, in specific, are more vulnerable to such abuse or exploitation, including children from ethnic minorities and marginalized populations, children of slum dwellers or sex workers, children of divorced parents or parents involved in criminality or serving jail sentences. This paper discusses the offense of child pornography and its nature through various international mechanisms and the legislative framework in India. It focuses on the legal loopholes and real life impediments faced by the provisions dealt with, at the time of its implementation, by making a critical analysis of the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act, 2012 regarding its adequacy in reducing such crime. This paper enunciates the scope of developing country like India in creating a balance between promoting the development of better and more interactive internet services and protecting children against the wide spreading sexual offense, namely child pornography.