Supreme Court asks Centre to examine social media ban for minors

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to examine whether a statutory framework can be put in place to prevent minors under 18 from independently creating social media accounts, or entering into contracts with digital platforms, without parental consent.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard a petition from NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance' on September 10. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court the government would examine the issue and take appropriate steps. The court noted that safeguards are needed and suggested the requirement could be incorporated in statutory form under intermediary rules.

Abhijeet Dipke of the Cockroach Janta Party criticised the proposal, arguing on social media that restrictions could be used to silence young people who question political narratives on platforms like Instagram. The government has not implemented any ban yet. The court is expected to hear the matter again after the Centre files its response.