NCPCR seeks report from social media entities over illegal child adoption posts amid Covid-19

New Delhi: The National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to social media entities like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Telegram regarding posts on these social networking sites offering illegal adoption of children orphaned amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The child rights body has sought an explanation from these four social media entities within 10 days, and has also warned to take strict action against them if they fail to report such posts in future.

In a letter written to these social networking sites, the NCPCR suggested if any person posts any kind of such posts, an immediate report should be sent to the commission or law enforcement authorities or state commission with detailed IP address of the user.

NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo wrote the letter on Sunday, saying "it is requested that in cases where such posts are posted on your online social media platforms, information about the same must be reported to the law enforcement authorities and/or National Commission or State Commission of the State/UT concerned and provide the details of the IP address, origin of the post and other such relevant details".

The Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015, provides for a jail term of up to three years, or a fine of Rs 1 lakh for illegal adoptions of children as it violates the procedure laid down under the Act. It also punishes sale or purchase with jail of up to five years or fine of Rs 1 lakh or both.

The Supreme Court also ordered states and Union Territories (UTs) last week to take stringent action against private individuals and NGOs who invited people to illegally adopt children orphaned during the pandemic.

The apex court also stated that no adoption of affected children should be permitted contrary to the provisions of the JJ Act, 2015.

(With IANS inputs)