- Many countries have decided to ban social media for children
- Central government likely to restrict social media for users below 18 years of age
- Strict rules may apply regarding minors’ social media accounts
Social media: Children also use social media extensively. Many claim that it is affecting their mental health and there is constant concern about it. Due to this reason, many countries have decided to ban social media for children. A similar decision is likely to be taken in India soon. It is said that the central government is planning to impose some restrictions on social media for users below the age of 18 years.
The Central Government is preparing to make major changes in the ‘IT Intermediary Rules’
The Central Government is preparing to make major changes in the ‘IT Intermediary Rules’ regarding social media usage by users below 18 years of age. It is said that under the new provisions, stricter rules may be imposed on the social media accounts of minors. The Supreme Court has also expressed concern about the use of social media by minor users. The Supreme Court has said that social media accounts should not be started by minors. The Supreme Court has expressed concern about the online safety of children. (Photo Courtesy: Pinterest)
Using false dates of birth to open accounts
A bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant has expressed concern that fake dates of birth are being used to gain access and open accounts on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. During the hearing, the court raised the issue that ‘Digital Terms of Service’ is a legal contract and under Indian law minors cannot sign it. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta quickly confirmed this point.
Demands for stronger ‘firewalls’ and strict regulations
A bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO ‘Just Rights for Children Alliance’. The petition called for strong ‘firewalls’ and strict regulations for children’s digital safety.
A number of serious issues have been recorded in the petition
Many serious things have been recorded in this petition filed. Like, what dangers do children face when using social media? These include serious issues like online grooming, sextortion, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and misuse of their personal data. The petition claims that major social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat are exempting children aged 13 or above from creating accounts based on the child’s chosen date of birth, which is against Indian regulations. In India, anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor by law.