NHRC investigates exploitation of minors in Uttar Pradesh social media videos

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into allegations that minors, some as young as three years old, are being exploited to create scripted social media content in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. The complaint alleges that a purported coaching centre used children to film Instagram videos containing abusive, derogatory, and politically charged expressions, specifically targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A bench led by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo has issued notices to the Etah Senior Superintendent of Police, the District Magistrate, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Managing Director and Country Head of Meta India. These authorities must submit Action Taken Reports within two weeks.

The NHRC has directed local police to identify the children involved and ensure they receive necessary counseling and psychosocial support through the Child Welfare Committee or District Child Protection Unit. The investigation aims to identify the adults responsible for scripting, recording, and uploading the content while ensuring the privacy and dignity of the minors are protected.