SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE NEED FOR STRONGER LEGAL PROTECTION IN INDIA

Rapid digitalisation has transformed the way children learn, communicate, and interact, while simultaneously exposing them to emerging forms of online exploitation. The proliferation of artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and encrypted communication technologies has intensified threats such as online grooming, AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), deepfakes, and cyber-enabled sexual exploitation. Although India has enacted legislative measures including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the Information Technology Act, 2000, significant legal and enforcement gaps remain in addressing technology-driven offences. This article examines the evolving nature of online child exploitation, analyses the challenges posed by AI-generated abuse, and evaluates the adequacy of India's existing legal framework. It further highlights the importance of stronger institutional preparedness, corporate responsibility, technological safeguards, and public awareness in creating a safer digital environment. The article argues that effective child protection in the digital age requires a coordinated approach combining legal reform, responsible innovation, proactive regulation, and collaborative efforts among governments, technology companies, educational institutions, and civil society to safeguard children's rights, dignity, and well-being online.