The term “cybercrime,” which refers to an offence committed via the internet, is well-known around the world. When it comes to cyber security, it’s the newest and most complex issue. A computer is either the tool or the target of a cybercrime. People throughout the world may now easily access information and data thanks to the internet’s development. Although the internet has many advantages, some people abuse computers and the internet for criminal purposes, such as online pornography, cyber stalking, spamming, viruses, and hijacking web pages. Offenders also utilise the internet as a platform for child abuse, which is a type of cybercrime. Child sexual exploitation is a common kind of violence against children and adolescents in cyberspace and they are the most recent victims of cybercrime. Criminals prey on youngsters by engaging them in illicit practises such as online grooming, the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography, exposure to hazardous content, harassment, and sexual abuse, cyber bullying etc. Today, cybercrime is becoming a global issue of considerable concern. The pace of technological advancement in India is accelerating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been spending more time on virtual platforms, which has exposed them to online harassment and cyber bullying. However, not all youngsters are equipped with the information and resources to protect themselves online. According to the NCRB 2020 data, the number of incidents of cybercrime targeting children has increased dramatically since last year. In 2019, there were 164 reports of cyber crimes against children, compared to 117 in 2018, and 79 in 2017, all of which were investigated.
