According to data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau, cybercrime targeting children increased by 261 percent during India's first pandemic-induced lockdown, but just one person was convicted of the 116 people detained across the country for the most common offence of internet stalking (NCRB).
UP, which had previously led the overall chart in 2019, lost the dubious record to Maharashtra's 207 cases in 2020, marking a 196% rise over the 70 such crimes reported in that state the previous year. UP (197 cases) was followed by Karnataka (144), Kerala (126), Odisha (71) and Andhra Pradesh (52). According to cyber experts, the lockdown resulted in a surge in kid viewing of digital information as well as the making of offensive recordings starring minors who were stranded at home for months. The majority of the content had been filmed by a family member, a neighbour, or a friend. The most concerning aspect of cybercrime involving kids is that, in some cases, victims' financial need drove them to create and sell exploitative content. Many children have been lured and persuaded to participate in internet sexual conduct.
"...Minors are frequently victims of child pornography perpetrated by people they know, including family," stated cyber lawyer Dr. Prashant Mali.