Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 10: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Centre on a petition seeking stronger safeguards to protect children from sexual exploitation and abusive material on social media and other digital platforms.
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana stressed the need for stronger digital protections for children amid their widespread access to online platforms.
During the hearing, the bench orally observed that “firewalls are very necessary for children”, according to report.
The petition, filed by the Just Rights for Children Alliance, sought measures to ensure that minors are adequately protected while using social media and other digital services.
The NGO raised concerns over the alleged failure of digital platforms to deploy effective automated content-filtering systems and age-verification mechanisms. It argued that algorithm-driven recommendations could expose young users to sexually abusive and age-inappropriate content, while existing reporting mechanisms may not adequately connect platforms with law-enforcement agencies.
The plea also sought amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, or the introduction of specific guidelines to ensure that children below the age of 18 do not enter into contracts with digital platforms without the consent of a parent or lawful guardian.
It further sought identity verification or e-KYC of parents or guardians wherever such involvement is required, depending on the nature and risks associated with the digital service.
The petition highlighted risks linked to children's independent access to digital platforms, including online grooming, sexual exploitation, trafficking, cyberbullying, behavioural profiling, misuse of personal data and exposure to inappropriate content.
The Supreme Court was also informed about its earlier ruling in Just Rights for Children Alliance v. S. Harish (2024), in which it held that intermediaries cannot claim statutory safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act if they fail to fulfil mandatory reporting duties under Sections 19 and 20 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The petition has sought responses from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and other regulatory authorities regarding algorithmic audits and the existing content-filtering protocols aimed at protecting children online.