New Delhi: The debate has once again intensified regarding the increasing use of social media among children and teenagers in India. After Australia imposed a legal ban on social media for children under 16 years of age, demand for a similar law has started rising in India too. The recent comment of Madras High Court in this direction has drawn the attention of the Central Government.
The Madras High Court has advised the Center to consider the possibility of an Australia-like law, which bans the use of social media by children below 16 years of age. The Court believes that the Internet and social media are posing serious dangers to children, which cannot be ignored.
Advice to consider bringing a law like Australia
According to media reports, the Division Bench of Madras High Court said that the Central Government can explore the possibility of making a law on the lines of the law passed by the Australian Government. The court said in clear words, ‘The central government can explore the possibility of making a law to ban social media like Australia. Until such a law is passed, the concerned authorities should intensify their awareness campaigns in a more effective manner.
Important comment came during the hearing on PIL
This comment was made by Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K. Of. Ramakrishnan’s bench while giving order on a public interest litigation (PIL). In this petition, a demand was made to direct internet service providers to provide parental window service, so that children can be protected from pornographic content.
Court acknowledged big danger to children
The court acknowledged that uncontrolled use of the Internet has become a serious threat to children. The judges said that in this case the responsibility of parents also increases, but mere awareness is not enough. The government and related institutions will have to take concrete steps.
What argument did the petitioner make?
S. of Madurai district. Vijaykumar had filed this petition in 2018. He argued that pornographic content is easily available to small children. The petitioner’s lawyer, citing the new law of Australia, said that such a law can be made in India also.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the replies filed by the respective commissions. The judges said, ‘It is the legal duty and responsibility of the Commission to spread awareness about the rights of children among different sections of the society.’
The court accepted that campaigns limited to schools are not enough.
What is Australia’s social media law?
Australia has imposed a legal ban on social media for children under 16 years of age. Under this law, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube will have to delete the accounts of minors. There is a provision of heavy fine on companies for not following the rules. However, debate continues regarding the impact of this law on freedom of expression.
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