5 hrs ago
Supreme Court Seeks Rules Blocking Minors From Social Media
The Supreme Court wants the government to make stronger rules for social media companies.
The rules could stop people younger than 18 from creating social media accounts.
The court said platforms should make their software follow Indian laws.
The petition says many platforms let children aged 13 and older join by simply stating their age.
The case was filed by an organisation called the Just Rights for Children Alliance.
A three-judge Supreme Court bench heard the petition.
Chief Justice Surya Kant led the bench.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the government should issue directions under intermediary rules.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to create statutory rules governing minors’ access to social media.
The proposed rules would require platforms and digital intermediaries to set 18 as the minimum membership age.
The court said platforms should design their software to comply with Indian law.
The petition said platforms currently allow users generally aged 13 and above to create accounts by declaring their age or birth date.
The case was brought by the Just Rights for Children Alliance before a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Centre, and the Just Rights for Children Alliance are involved; the case was heard by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
- What
- The Supreme Court asked the government to establish statutory rules requiring social media platforms to set 18 as the minimum membership age.
- Where
- The matter concerns social media platforms and digital intermediaries operating in India.
- When
- The request was made on Monday.
- Why
- The petition seeks to prevent minors from independently creating and operating social media accounts and to ensure platforms comply with Indian law.
Key facts
- Minimum proposed age
- 18 years
- Current platform practice described
- Platforms generally allow users aged 13 and above to create accounts by declaring their age or date of birth.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- Three-judge bench
- Chief Justice
- Surya Kant
- Petitioner
- Just Rights for Children Alliance
- Government asked to act under
- Intermediary rules
Quotes
Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Supreme Court judge serving on the three-judge bench hearing the petition
“Our request to you, as the Government of India, you please pass some directions under the intermediary rules that they should fashion their software or platform in conformity with Indian law. They must conform at least in respect of membership of a minimum threshold of 18 years”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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