NHRC member writes to WCD ministry over reports of UNICEF-Meta financial link

New Delhi, Nov 12 (PTI) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Thursday wrote to the Ministry of Women and Child Development over reports claiming a financial association between United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and US multinational conglomerate Meta.

    Along with the letter, Kanoongo forwarded a representation the NHRC received from Legal Rights Observatory, which cited reports alleging "collaborative engagements" of the UN body and Meta with various child rights stakeholders to develop institutional mechanisms for child protection and digital safety.

    The matter is of "serious concern", particularly in view of recent reports of alleged "paid CSAM-related activities and the circulation of objectionable content through Meta-owned platforms, which are also subject to examination and investigation by various law enforcement agencies," the letter read.

    CSAM refers to child sexual abuse material.

    "Of particular concern are allegations that content involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is being monetised, thereby generating revenue from material depicting abuse of children," Kanoongo wrote.

    In this backdrop, the reported financial contributions by Meta to UNICEF and other similar organisations "raise serious apprehensions" regarding the purpose and utilisation of such funds, particularly towards advocacy and institutional engagements, Kanoongo wrote.

    "Such financial associations warrant careful examination, as they may potentially lend institutional legitimacy to a platform facing serious allegations and undermine the larger child-protection agenda," read the NHRC member's letter, which asked the ministry to examine and take appropriate action, if necessary, in the interest of child protection.

    There was no immediate reaction from UNICEF or Meta.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)