CWC orders removal of viral child interview videos

Editor summoned for recording the interview without consent Srinagar, July 2:Srinagar, July 2: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, has ordered the immediate removal of viral social media videos featuring schoolchildren and summoned the Editor of Fair Voice News over the alleged recording and interview of a minor without obtaining the informed consent of the child's parent or legal guardian.  The committee took cognisance of videos showing schoolchildren being interviewed outside their school premises on public issues, including remarks on Education Minister Sakina Itoo and the summer vacation schedule. The videos triggered widespread debate on social media and raised concerns over child protection and journalistic ethics. In an order issued by CWC Chairperson Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, the committee said interviewing children on public issues without parental consent or the knowledge of school authorities raises serious concerns regarding the privacy, dignity, safety and best interests of children.  It noted that the continued circulation of such videos could expose children to public scrutiny, online harassment, identity misuse and other forms of harm, contrary to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) guidelines on media reporting involving children. Invoking its powers under the Juvenile Justice Act, the CWC directed the SHO, Cyber Police Station, Srinagar, to identify the social media accounts, URLs and digital platforms hosting the videos and take steps, in accordance with law, to have them removed or blocked. The Cyber Police has also been asked to examine whether any child protection or digital law provisions have been violated and submit an Action Taken Report within 48 hours. Separately, the committee issued summons to the Editor of Fair Voice News after taking cognisance of allegations that a minor was interviewed and recorded without mandatory parental consent or informing the school authorities. The Editor has been directed to appear before the committee on July 3 at 12 noon along with the reporter, cameraperson and other media personnel involved in the interview. The committee has also sought a written explanation, copies of the recorded interview, the published or broadcast material, any consent or authorisation relied upon, and other relevant documents. The summons states that if the allegations are substantiated, the actions may amount to violations of the child's rights under the Juvenile Justice Act and the NCPCR guidelines governing media reporting involving children. It warns that failure to comply with the summons may invite action in accordance with law.