A big step is going to be taken in the country regarding the use of social media by minors. The Supreme Court heard the matter on September 28 and asked the Central Government to consider the possibility of creating a statutory protection system on the social media accounts of children under 18 years of age.
What did the Supreme Court say
In the hearing held on Monday, Justice Joymalya Bagchi clearly emphasized the need to fix the age limit of 18 years. The court also made it clear that measures related to the safety of children should not be limited to just guidelines. The court says that the software of social media platforms and other digital services should also be as per Indian law.
Which petition is being heard?
This entire matter is related to the PIL of ‘Just Rights for Children Alliance’. In this petition, it has been demanded that an effective security system should be made for the use of social media by children below 18 years of age. Along with this, it has also been said in the petition that there should be a ban on the fact that digital platforms cannot enter into independent contracts with minors.
Central government also gave support
The stand of the central government was also important in this matter. The Center has supported the proposal to impose a statutory ban on the social media accounts of minors. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court that changes can be made in the IT intermediary rules. According to him, the Central Government may soon work on adding new provisions regarding the accounts of minors in these rules.
understand at a glance
- Steps towards banning social media accounts of those under 18 years of age: Hearing in Supreme Court
- Hearing held in Supreme Court on 28th September, case related to use of social media by minors.
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi stressed the need for age limit of 18 years
- Central government also supported the proposal of statutory ban on social media accounts of minors
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta talked about changes in IT Intermediary Rules
- Center may soon add new provisions regarding accounts of minors in IT Rules
- Supreme Court emphasizes legal protection to protect minors from possible harm of social media
- The social media ban has not yet been implemented for those under 18 years of age, the process of changing the rules has to move forward.
No ban has been implemented yet
It is worth noting that at present no ban has been implemented on social media for children below 18 years of age. Only this direction has been considered in the court, and the entire process of changing the rules is yet to proceed. The Supreme Court has emphasized on strong legal protection to protect minors from possible harm caused by social media, so that a solid system can be created in the future.
Overall, this matter is still in the phase of consideration and process. In the coming time, it can be given legal form through amendments in IT rules.