The Madras High Court has suggested that the Centre could explore the possibility of introducing a law similar to Australia’s, which bars children under
16 from using social media, citing the growing exposure of minors to harmful online content.
The observation came from a division bench comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan while disposing of a public interest litigation seeking directions for internet service providers to offer parental controls to block access to pornographic content.
While acknowledging that children are particularly vulnerable online and that parents bear significant responsibility, the bench emphasised the need for stronger institutional mechanisms. In this context, the judges pointed to Australia’s recent legislation restricting social media access for children under 16 as a model the Centre could consider.
The court, however, stressed the need for immediate measures. “Till such legislation is passed, the authorities shall accelerate their awareness campaigns more effectively and take the message to vulnerable groups through all available media,” the bench observed.
The PIL was filed in 2018 by S. Vijayakumar of Madurai district, who highlighted the ease with which young children can access pornographic content online. He sought intervention from authorities, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, to ensure better protection of minors in the digital space.
