There has now been an end to the speculations and news that were going on on social media across the country for the last few days, in which it was being claimed that the Central Government is going to completely ban the use of social media platforms for minors below 18 years of age in the country. Official government sources on Wednesday rejected all these reports and termed them completely false and misleading. The government has clarified that no such proposal or scheme is under consideration, and these claims have no connection whatsoever with reality. Background of the hearing in the Supreme Court and the case related to child rights: This entire discussion started after the hearing in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Central Government to consider during the hearing of a case whether it can be legally made mandatory for internet media and digital platforms to follow the laws of the country that relate to minors. These existing legal provisions include that people under the age of 18 years cannot independently enter into any legal agreement or contract. This entire legal process came to light during the hearing of a PIL filed by 'Just Rights for Children Alliance'. The petition sought stringent measures to ensure online safety and privacy of children using internet media and other digital mediums. Comments of the court and the government's side During the hearing, the bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Jaimalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana had made important comments regarding digital security. Justice Bagchi had said during the hearing that this requirement related to the safety and digital welfare of children should not remain just a general guideline or guideline, but it should be made more effective. The court had asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consider whether it could be made legally mandatory by bringing it under the ambit of 'intermediary rules'. On this, the Solicitor General had informed the court that the Central Government will consider this entire matter seriously. However, this general process and deliberations of the court were wrongly publicized at some places on social media that the government was going to directly ban social media for minors, which has now been officially rejected by the government.
