Google to forward child sexual abuse material reports directly to Indian authorities

Google has confirmed that it will forward any identified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to Indian law‑enforcement agencies without intermediary steps, aligning its policy with that of Meta which made a similar move earlier this year. The tech giant said the change will be implemented across its platforms operating in India, including search, YouTube and its advertising network. Officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have been consulted to ensure the reporting mechanism complies with Indian legal requirements. The new protocol is expected to streamline the flow of evidence to authorities, facilitating quicker investigations and potential prosecutions. By adopting a direct reporting model, Google aims to bolster child‑safety measures and support the government's efforts to combat online sexual exploitation.