Can Goa protect its children from digital dangers after SC’s CSEAM verdict?

India has reached a turning point in its fight against child exploitation with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). The ruling represents a serious commitment to protecting the country’s children from the horrors of digital exploitation. But as Goa faces this new reality, we are forced to ask: is our child protection system adequately equipped to meet this challenge? Are we as a society – government, educational systems, civil society organizations – ready to take on the responsibility that this judgment requires?

The Supreme Court’s decision to replace the term “child pornography” with “Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material” (CSEAM) may seem like a mere linguistic adjustment, but it goes much deeper. This change reframes the way we view crimes against children. It forces us to face the reality that this material is not just illegal content, but evidence of criminal abuse. This change in language reflects a crucial step toward recognizing the true extent of child exploitation and placing the focus where it belongs: on the harm done to innocent children.
But while this is a step in the right direction at the national level, is Goa willing to adapt its own child protection mechanisms to address this problem? The answer is not just about changing the conditions, but about ensuring that existing systems are strong enough to respond to this growing crisis.
The situation is urgent. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2021, cybercrime against children has increased by over 400% in India. In Goa alone, 43,663 files containing child sexual abuse material were downloaded from 30 different URLs in 2021. This data reveals a stark reality: Goa is vulnerable to the threats of online exploitation, and the child protection system is not equipped to deal with it. the extent of these crimes.
This should serve as a wake-up call to the government, law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations in Goa. Are we doing enough? The digital age has opened new avenues for exploitation, and it is imperative that the state reassess its strategies and resources to confront these emerging threats head-on.
Goa has made some progress in protecting its children, with initiatives such as the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) leading efforts. Campaigns aimed at raising awareness about child abuse and cybercrime have been valuable, but these efforts need to be scaled up dramatically. The numbers don’t lie: the amount of CSAM accessed in Goa reveals a system struggling to keep pace with the growing threat of online exploitation.
What needs to change? To start with, the government must invest in modernizing Goa’s child protection systems. This includes equipping law enforcement agencies with advanced technology to track and prosecute those responsible for the exploitation of children online. But it’s not just about resources, it’s also about training. Law enforcement, social workers and child protection officers must be educated on the nuances of digital exploitation, and given the tools and authority to act quickly and decisively when cases arise.
One of the most promising developments in the fight against child sexual exploitation is the rise of digital forensics. This technology can play a crucial role in identifying, tracking and prosecuting individuals involved in CSEAM crimes. Digital forensics allows law enforcement agencies to analyze devices, track CSAM sharing and bring perpetrators to justice.
In Goa, the Goa State Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Science University, Goa Campus, have the potential to play a leading role in this fight. By using advanced digital forensics technology, these institutions can help trace the origins of CSAM, identify abusers and provide crucial evidence for prosecution. However, the question remains: Is Goa investing enough in these resources to ensure that these forensic laboratories can function optimally?
An often overlooked aspect of this issue is the involvement of minors themselves. Children and teenagers are not only victims of exploitation; they can also, sometimes unconsciously, become perpetrators. As children gain more access to the Internet, they may unintentionally share or download explicit material, unaware of the legal and moral consequences of their actions. This introduces a complex dilemma: how do we balance rehabilitation with responsibility?
The juvenile justice system of Goa must be prepared to handle such cases with sensitivity and care. Minors who engage in such activities require specialized interventions, including counseling and rehabilitation. But does Goa’s current system have the capacity to deliver these services? Are the educators and social workers trained to guide these children toward rehabilitation, or are they forced into a system of punishment without proper support?
The Supreme Court’s ruling highlights a critical need for reform, not just in the language of our laws, but also in the tools we use to enforce them. Goa must embrace technology as part of the solution to the growing problem of child exploitation. Advanced tools such as AI-based CSAM tracking systems, cybersecurity initiatives, and stronger collaboration with international agencies can help address the growing amount of child exploitation material online.
But an urgent question arises here: are our law enforcement agencies equipped with the right technological tools? Is the government willing to invest in modernizing child protection infrastructure in Goa? Without these investments, our ability to combat online child exploitation will remain limited and our children will continue to be at risk.
While law enforcement and technological advancements are critical, education remains one of the most powerful tools to prevent child exploitation. Parents, teachers and children themselves need to be educated about the risks posed by online platforms and digital spaces. Schools in Goa must prioritize cybersecurity education and ensure that children understand the consequences of sharing personal information or engaging in risky online behavior.
However, the responsibility does not lie solely with schools. Civil society organizations, community leaders and the government must all play an active role in educating the public about these dangers. Workshops, training sessions and awareness campaigns are essential to ensure that children, as well as their caregivers, are informed and prepared to navigate the online world safely.
Civil society organizations play a unique role in tackling child exploitation. These organizations are often the first responders, working directly with communities and providing critical support to victims of abuse. In Goa, non-governmental organizations must work closely with government agencies to ensure that the child protection system is responsive and effective.
In addition, civil society organizations should advocate for stricter regulations and more robust policies to protect children from exploitation. This includes pushing for child-friendly police stations, advocating for better mental health care for child victims, and working with educational institutions to improve cybersecurity initiatives.
Goa’s child protection system has made some progress, but the data makes it clear that much more needs to be done. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a call to rethink our current systems and their ability to respond to the rapidly evolving threats children face in the digital age.
For the government, this means investing in technology, training law enforcement, and ensuring policies are updated to reflect the reality of online child exploitation. For the education system, this means making cybersecurity education a priority and working to equip students with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. For civil society organizations, this means working with government and communities to raise awareness, support victims and push for stronger protections.
Conclusion: a moment to act
India’s Supreme Court has paved the way for a stronger legal framework to combat child sexual exploitation. Now it is up to states like Goa to ensure that these reforms are implemented in a way that truly protects children. We need to think about the gaps in our child protection system and work together – government, educators, law enforcement, civil society and communities – to create a safer environment for our children. Goa has the potential to lead the way in child protection, but only if we take decisive, collective action to address these emerging threats. Now is the time to act. The safety and future of Goa’s children depend on it.

The writer is an assistant professor of social work at the DD Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioral Studies.