2 hrs ago
India Weighs Social Media Curbs for Users Under 18
India may change its internet rules so people under 18 cannot independently create social media accounts.
The idea was discussed after the Supreme Court asked for stronger protections for children online.
The court highlighted dangers such as bullying, exploitation, unsafe content and misuse of personal information.
The government said it was ready to act if current rules do not protect children well enough.
One report said new rules could soon be added, while another described the move as still being considered.
Abhijeet Dipke criticized the proposal and said young people use social media to question powerful people.
He said the government should target harassment and abuse instead of silencing all young users.
The final rules and their exact enforcement details have not been established in the article.
The Centre is reportedly considering changes to restrict people under 18 from independently opening social media accounts.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to examine statutory safeguards and a minimum age of 18 for independent platform membership.
The case concerns risks including online grooming, sexual exploitation, trafficking, cyberbullying, profiling and misuse of children’s data.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government was prepared to act if existing laws were insufficient; reports differ on whether amendments are imminent.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned whether the proposal could also limit young people’s ability to challenge political power online.
- Who
- The Centre, the Supreme Court of India, the Just Rights for Children Alliance, and Abhijeet Dipke are central to the discussion.
- What
- The government is reportedly considering rules preventing people under 18 from independently opening social media accounts.
- Where
- The proposal concerns social media and other digital platforms operating under Indian law.
- When
- The Supreme Court discussed the issue on Monday; the Centre’s reported consideration followed that hearing.
- Why
- The stated reason is to protect minors from online grooming, exploitation, trafficking, cyberbullying, harmful content and misuse of personal data; Dipke also raised concerns about possible political consequences.
Critics of Broad Restrictions
Supporters of Stronger Safeguards
Purpose of the restrictions
Critics of Broad Restrictions
Abhijeet Dipke said age restrictions could have an additional political effect by limiting young people’s ability to question or mock those in power online.
Supporters of Stronger Safeguards
The Centre and the Supreme Court’s proceedings focus on protecting minors from grooming, exploitation, trafficking, cyberbullying, inappropriate content and misuse of personal data.
Preferred solution
Critics of Broad Restrictions
Dipke argued for making the internet safer by cracking down on accounts that harass and abuse girls instead of restricting all users under 18.
Supporters of Stronger Safeguards
The petition and court discussion support statutory rules, age thresholds and reported age-gating or parental-consent mechanisms to address risks affecting minors.
Status of government action
Critics of Broad Restrictions
The proposal has been described as a reported move, and its final scope and implementation are not established in the article.
Supporters of Stronger Safeguards
The Times of India reported that the Centre agreed with the court and would soon add a rule preventing platforms from allowing under-18 users to open accounts.
Key facts
- Reported policy
- Amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, may restrict independent social media accounts for users under 18.
- Supreme Court position
- The court asked the Centre to examine statutory safeguards and a minimum age threshold of 18 for independent membership.
- Case
- Just Rights for Children Alliance v Union of India.
- Petitioner
- The Just Rights for Children Alliance, an NGO seeking safeguards for children on social media and other digital platforms.
- Government response
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government was prepared to act if the existing legal framework was inadequate.
- Reported timing
- The Times of India reported that a provision could soon be inserted, while the Times Now report described the restriction as a planned or considered move.
- Criticism
- Abhijeet Dipke argued that the government should focus on online harassment and abuse rather than restricting an entire generation.
Quotes
Abhijeet Dipke
Founder of the Cockroach Janta Party who commented on the reported restrictions.
“If the Centre is genuinely concerned about young people online, it should focus on making the internet safer for them. Start by cracking down on accounts that harass and abuse girls online, not by silencing an entire generation.”
telegraphindia.com
“They will have to conform to Indian laws, and there is no doubt about it. Something can be done, something should be done, and something will be done.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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