New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulatory measures governing minors' access to social media platforms, bringing renewed focus to child safety and digital governance in India.
The petition contends that social media platforms allow minors to create and operate accounts without adequate age-verification mechanisms or parental consent safeguards. It argues that the current regulatory framework does not sufficiently address the risks faced by children in the digital environment.
A key issue raised before the Court concerns the legal validity of social media account creation by minors. The petitioner submits that users are generally required to accept terms and conditions while registering on social media platforms, creating a contractual relationship. Since minors are ordinarily incapable of entering into legally enforceable contracts under Indian law, the petition questions the legality of such arrangements.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that safeguards are necessary to protect children online and acknowledged that the issue raises significant legal and policy concerns. The Bench considered submissions regarding the potential impact of social media on children's safety, privacy, mental well-being, and exposure to harmful content.
The plea further points to the absence of explicit provisions under existing Information Technology regulations addressing minimum age requirements, parental supervision, and verification standards for social media users. The petitioner has sought directions to the Union Government to frame appropriate mechanisms for regulating minors' access to digital platforms.
The matter comes at a time when governments worldwide are exploring stricter age-verification systems and child-protection measures for online platforms. The Supreme Court's examination of the issue could influence the future regulatory landscape governing social media companies operating in India.
The outcome of the proceedings may have significant implications for technology companies, policymakers, parents, and child-rights advocates, particularly in relation to balancing children's digital participation with the need for effective online safety protections.