SC refuses to entertain plea for social media ban for children under 13

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea seeking the imposition of a statutory prohibition on social media usage for children below 13 years. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih stated that the issue fell within the domain of policy and advised the petitioner to approach Parliament to enact a law on the matter.

The bench remarked, “We are not inclined to entertain the present petition as the relief sought is within the domain of policy.” However, the court granted the petitioner the liberty to make a representation to the relevant authorities, urging them to consider the matter in accordance with the law within eight weeks.

The petition, filed by Zep Foundation through advocate Mohini Priya, called for the introduction of a robust age verification system, such as biometric authentication, to regulate children’s access to social media platforms. It also requested the implementation of strict penalties for platforms that fail to comply with children protection regulations. (Agencies)

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