The issue of minor social media access came under judicial scrutiny after the Madras High Court urged the Centre to examine stricter controls, citing rising online safety risks for children. The Madras High Court has called on the Indian Government to evaluate whether to make a law banning the use of social networking sites for children younger than sixteen years old. This suggestion comes following Australia’s implementation of a new statute limiting minors’ access to social networks.
The Judges on the bench in Madurai were concerned about children being subjected to pornography online via digital services. They expressed concern that children are more vulnerable than adults when it comes to accessing information on the internet because they can access anything available on the internet. Therefore, parents have to take on more responsibility for monitoring their children’s online activities.
In reviewing a case in which a parent argued that it was easy for minors to find adult content on the internet, the court concluded that the internet provides virtually unlimited access to adult-oriented material and that the use of social networks increases the risk to minors’ safety.
Court pushes Australia-style law to restrict children’s social media access
The judges urged the Government of India to develop legislation similar to the Australian model. Australia became the first country to prohibit minors under 16 years old from using social media. The judges indicated that such a law would decrease the amount of harmful material available to children on the internet. They also instructed that while waiting for legislation, campaigns to educate individuals about the dangers associated with using social media should be intensified at a national level.
Judges directed that outreach to at-risk populations should occur through all forms of media. Awareness should reach beyond school environments to parents, families, and other community members. The judges reiterated that educating individuals can reduce digital harm to children before any legislation regulating social media is passed.
Parental controls and child rights bodies questioned over minors’ online access
The petition additionally requested Internet service providers to implement an obligation to provide parental control tools. Despite the existence of blocking tools available from websites, the judges stated that user control continues to be a critical component. The judges also noted that there is a large presence of online child sexual exploitation material (CSEM).
Parental control tools available as mobile applications allow users to control access to their devices.
The judges expressed dissatisfaction with the child rights commission’s level of outreach and the lack of public educational resources. Judges stated that child rights commissions must increase their efforts to promote literacy in child rights on a national basis. Both state and central government bodies should establish definitive plans of action. Judges concluded that the combined efforts of public awareness and vigilance by parents are necessary. The court stressed that unchecked minor social media access poses long-term dangers to child safety.
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