NCPCR seeks CERT-In's response over complaints regarding use of Zoom for online classes

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sought a response from Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) over a complaint regarding use of Zoom — a video and audio conferencing platform — by schools for taking online classes of children during lockdown.

commission has received a complaint from social activist Abhishek Ranjan, citing numerous news reports questioning safety standards of this application and cybersecurity loopholes due to which countries like US, Singapore, Germany, and Taiwan have banned and restricted use of Zoom. 

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Ranjan, in his letter complaint to NCPCR, said that though online classes are indeed helping se children in staying connected to school, concern is regarding safety of children while using such an application. commission sought guidance of CERT-In wher Zoom app is safe for use in online interaction with children, such as in taking online classes by school. 

Taking te of CERT-In advisory dated April 2 enumerating solutions for multiple vulnerabilities in Zoom application, commission asked it to clarify wher following se solutions will confirm online safety of children, ir identity and overall wellbeing. commission also asked what are measures in place to ensure that schools, institutions, and parents using app.

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Responding to commission, CERT-In said that in order to sensitize parents and children on issue of digital safety, an advisory titled "Online Safety of Children and Parents" was issued on April 6 and "Safeguarding Colleges and Universities against Cyber Attack" were issued on April 10 for colleges and universities. commission has also taken te that in recent times, re have been various reports on harmful effects of few online apps and games on children.

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MHA Says Zoom 't A Secure Platform'

Amid concerns over security flaws and privacy breach of users, Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory saying video-conferencing application Zoom "is t a secure platform" for private individuals and advised against use by government offices/staff for official purposes. popularity of video conferencing platform skyrocketed after lockdowns and stay-at-home orders owing to COVID-19 pandemic which laid bare security flaws of application.

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(with ANI inputs)