YouTube India Summoned by Child Rights Panel Over Disturbing Trend in Mother-Son Challenge Videos

Introduction: In a significant development, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken a stern stance against YouTube India, summoning its government affairs and public policy head to address concerns related to indecent content involving mothers and sons. The commission has expressed deep apprehensions about the alarming trend of challenge videos on the platform, depicting potentially indecent acts between mothers and their adolescent sons.

The child rights panel has raised concerns over channels running challenges portraying indecent acts involving mothers and sons.

The Summons: YouTube India’s government affairs and public policy head, Mira Chatt, has been requested to appear before the NCPCR in person on January 15. The commission has urged Chatt to provide a list of channels that have been broadcasting content falling into this controversial category.

The Alarming Trend: NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo highlighted the commission’s awareness of an unsettling surge in YouTube challenge videos that portray inappropriate interactions between mothers and sons. These videos reportedly feature acts like kisses and other indecent behaviors, raising concerns about the violation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012.

Legal Implications: In an interview with India Today, Kanoongo emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that several challenge videos on YouTube blatantly violate the Pocso Act. He asserted that YouTube is accountable for rectifying this issue and warned that individuals responsible for such content could face legal consequences, including imprisonment. Kanoongo equated the commercialization of these videos to selling pornography and stressed that any platform featuring content involving the sexual abuse of children should be held legally responsible.

Conclusion: The NCPCR’s summoning of YouTube India’s representative underscores the increasing need for digital platforms to be vigilant about the content they host, especially when it involves potential harm to children. As the date of the appearance approaches, the outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for the responsibility and accountability of online platforms in ensuring the protection of child rights and the prevention of inappropriate content from reaching vulnerable audiences.