Adult content flows unchecked on social media platforms

Ludhiana: Even as the Ludhiana police commissionerate boasts of a cyber cell and a social media cell, the cops have failed to keep a check on the adult content available on the internet.
Undeterred by the threat of police action, some sleazy characters still get away with their Facebook and Twitter posts offering escort and body massage services in the city. These pages also contain erotic and obscene content. What is more, the people running these accounts even drop their mobile numbers to be contacted back by the prospective clients.
TOI identified a Facebook page named “Body massage for females in Ludhiana” with adult content in it. Besides, some Twitter handles — Call girls Ludhiana, Call girls service Ludhiana, Ludhiana call boy — are also there luring the weaker souls.
Speaking with TOI, cyber security expert Rakshit Tandon said, “The availability of adult and obscene content on social media platforms has become a major concern. Ideally, there has to be a separate cell keeping a check on such content, as the police in general can’t keep a track of each such page of Facebook and dubious Twitter accounts. Usually, the cops act only when something is reported to them. So, first thing I would request the people to do is to report such pages immediately as they come across sleazy content on social media.”
Getting these pages blocked is easy and on Twitter, it is even easier as it offers one the option to report such accounts, added Tandon.
Asked about the possible action in such cases, the cyber expert said, “As per the Information Technology Act, publishing, sharing or forwarding obscene content is a criminal offence. Whosoever does it can be booked, including the minors. Besides, depending on the nature of content, action can also be taken under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.”
He further said that due to the coronavirus outbreak, the screen time of children has increased and they keep accessing the internet for study purposes.
“However, it is important for the parents to keep an eye on what kind of content a child is accessing. Besides parental control applications, there are features for screen time management in smart phones, which can help parents keep their children away from offensive content. The cyber cell also needs to be proactive and the people should also start reporting such content on social media.”
When contacted, commissioner of police Rakesh Agarwal said the police would take strict action against anyone indulging in such illegal activities. “The social media cell of Ludhiana police also keeps tabs on such activities. We will get these pages blocked.”