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India plans stricter social media age rules for under-18s
The Indian government is planning to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to restrict social media access for individuals under the age of 18. This move follows a petition by the NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, which raised concerns regarding the safety of minors and the legal validity of social media contracts entered into by children.
The Supreme Court of India has urged the central government to examine whether a statutory framework can be established to ensure digital platforms comply with Indian laws. The court emphasized that social media companies should not merely follow voluntary guidelines but must fashion their software and registration processes to conform to domestic legal standards.
Key discussions include the implementation of mandatory age-verification mechanisms to prevent minors from independently creating accounts. While standard commercial social networks may face strict age thresholds, the government indicated that educational or academic websites might remain accessible through explicit parental consent.
Entities
Bass Legal LLP · Calcutta High Court · GST Department · Goods and Services Tax Department · Government of India · India · Indian Government · Just Rights for Children Alliance · Kanchan Oil Industries Limited · Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology · Puneet Batra · Supreme Court of India
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The central government plans to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to prevent individuals under 18 from independently opening social media- highlandpost.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · www.latestly.com · interviewtimes.net
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Supreme Court directed the Centre to examine if social media platforms can be required to fashion their software in conformity with Indian laws. highlandpost.com · thelivenagpur.com · www.news9live.com · english.mathrubhumi.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Minors are currently able to create and maintain social media accounts despite being legally unable to enter into contracts independently under Indian law. highlandpost.com · thelivenagpur.com · www.news9live.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · www.latestly.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government intends to implement mandatory age-verification mechanisms for social media users. interviewtimes.net · www.latestly.com