Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 12: The Goa government has blocked 512 escort service websites and intensified action against illegal online activities that allegedly tarnish the state’s image, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the Assembly on Wednesday.

Replying to a calling attention motion moved by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and other members, Sawant said the cyber crime police station has been actively cracking down on websites promoting commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.

He said the cybercrime unit has taken down or blocked 512 websites offering escort services and is continuing to monitor activities on social media platforms.

The chief minister also informed the House that a case has been registered at the Goa Crime Branch under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 against operators of multiple websites allegedly posting sexually explicit and indecent content depicting women.

Sawant further said that several cases have been registered under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and other relevant laws during the past three years as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to curb such illegal activities.