The Supreme Court of India has issued comprehensive directions to the central government regarding the formulation of guidelines for social media platforms to address child sexual abuse material online. Rejecting a total ban on internet access for minors, the court observed that digital connectivity constitutes a fundamental right. It mandated the creation of a national database utilizing perceptual hash matching and URL lists to efficiently flag and eliminate abusive content across digital networks.
Emphasizing the necessity of robust safeguards, the apex court ordered the establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms and mandatory verification protocols prior to any content deletion to prevent political misuse or the targeted suppression of dissent. Furthermore, the court underscored the importance of implementing safety awareness programs in primary schools and noted that regulatory bodies and digital intermediaries must coordinate their efforts to purge harmful material.
In its broader rulings on digital safety, the bench declined to impose age-based restrictions on internet usage, reasoning that blanket prohibitions fail to keep young people offline and instead expose them to heightened risks. The court instead advocated for stronger parental controls and required social media platforms to introduce dedicated child mode functions while balancing child protection with fundamental rights.