Protect children online, don’t cut them off from internet: SC
What Happened
The Supreme Court held that the right to access and use the internet is protected under Article 21 read with Article 19(1)(a) and extends to children irrespective of age. The court rejected blanket restrictions as a solution to online harms, warning they could push children towards less-regulated platforms and discourage victims from reporting online abuse.
Key Takeaways
The court said children’s safety and digital freedom must coexist. Rather than blanket bans, it favoured proportionate safeguards such as parental guidance and child-friendly account settings, while stressing stronger detection and removal of child sexual exploitation and abuse material by platforms and authorities.