Monica is an independent journalist based in Bangalore. She writes on technology, gender, and development. She is the recipient of the 2020 Stop Slavery Media Award by Thomson Reuters Foundation.
In 2019, the NCMEC got 16.9 million suspected CSAM reports, of which nearly 1.98 million were from India—the single-largest out of 241 countries. The Indian subcontinent ranks high when it comes to CSAM consumption.
A gripping narrative of Farzana, a sex trafficking survivor, who was lured by false promises of love and opportunity-- her journey unveils the disturbing nexus between technology and exploitation, shedding light on the hidden horrors of modern-day slavery.
A tiger skin seized in Nepal is traced back to a specific tiger in India using advanced software and a vast database of tiger images. This story highlights the effectiveness of modern technology in combating wildlife crime and protecting endangered species
The Beas River tragedy of 2014, where 24 engineering students tragically lost their lives while taking selfies, highlights the alarming rise of selfie-related deaths in India. This story talks about the increasing popularity of smartphones and social media, leading to reckless behavior and a disregard for personal safety in pursuit of the perfect shot.