Srinagar: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, has initiated action over viral interviews of schoolchildren by summoning the news outlet and directing the Cyber Police Station to remove the videos from social media.
According to a notice issued by the committee, it came to the CWC’s attention that a child was interviewed and recorded by representatives of Fair Voice News without the informed consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian and without the knowledge or permission of the school authorities.
The committee said such an act, if established, could amount to a violation of the child’s rights under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as well as the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ guidelines on media reporting concerning children’s identity, privacy, dignity and best interests.
Exercising its powers under the Juvenile Justice Act, the CWC directed the editor or an authorised representative of Fair Voice News to appear before it on July 3 at 12 p.m. at its Srinagar office. The committee asked the outlet to produce the reporter and cameraperson involved, submit a written explanation of the circumstances surrounding the interview, furnish copies of the recorded and published or broadcast material, provide any consent or authorisation relied upon and produce other relevant documents. It warned that failure to comply could invite action under the law.
In a separate order issued the same day, the CWC noted that videos showing schoolchildren being interviewed outside their school premises were circulating on various social media platforms. In one of the videos, the children were seen expressing views related to the Education Minister.
The committee observed that interviewing children on public issues without informed parental or guardian consent and without the permission of school authorities raises serious concerns about their privacy, safety, dignity and welfare. It said continued circulation of the videos could expose the children to public scrutiny, harassment, identity misuse and other forms of harm.
The CWC directed the Station House Officer of the Cyber Police Station, Srinagar, to identify the social media accounts, URLs and digital platforms hosting or circulating the videos and take immediate steps to have them removed or blocked through the concerned intermediaries.
The committee also asked police to examine whether any laws relating to child protection or misuse of digital platforms had been violated and to proceed accordingly if required. It emphasised that the children’s identity, privacy, dignity and best interests must remain protected throughout the process.
The SHO has been directed to initiate legal action, if warranted, and submit an Action Taken Report to the committee within 48 hours of receiving the order.
The orders were issued by Dr Khair-ul-Nisa, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, District Srinagar.
