Unmasking Anonymity: Thorn’s Approach to Combating Online Child Sexual Exploitation in India and Its Adaptability to Pakistan’s Legal Framework

Abstract

The exponential rise of the internet has socialized the globe, and in doing so, has provided a cloak for online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). This article examines India's counter-paradigm warfare against the OECD, focusing on Thorn, a nonprofit organization using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics to prevent and counter predator networks. India's partnership with Thorn has yielded several inspiring stories with examples of superior technologies in the investigation of culprits. However, constraints of resources and legal incongruities and lacunae remain a problem. Based on India's experience, this article analyzes the situation in Pakistan and exposes weaknesses and gaps in its cyberspace laws and enforcement. For this reason, the article calls for the adoption of Thorn's model of socio-legal analysis specifically within the socio-legal context of Pakistan. It underscores the need for allied cooperation, the question of privacy and child protection, as well as the introduction of technology into Pakistani law. Based on the objectives and findings, the article presents some practical recommendations for the Pakistani government, such as technological integration, policy modification, global networking and partnership, and capacity development. These are underscored as key measures fundamentally relevant to the establishment of a solid system of child protection, as well as guaranteeing children's protection within the digital age from acts of sexual exploitation.