Children Have a Fundamental Right to Internet Access, Blanket Bans Disproportionate: Supreme Court
The court said children share the same internet rights as adults and urged parental oversight and other safeguards instead of blanket bans.
- A Bench of Justices Pardiwala and Chandran ruled that children possess a fundamental right to internet access under the Constitution, declaring that denying this right is absurd.
- Blanket bans on internet access are ineffective; minors continue using the internet without parental knowledge and move to unregulated, unsafe websites, the Supreme Court observed.
- The Bench suggested a "child mode" for social media platforms with greater emphasis on parental consent and oversight to ensure child safety proportionate to the object.
- Stringent restrictions may defeat the object of the POCSO Act, as an atmosphere of hostility makes children reluctant to confide in trusted adults about online abuse.
- Intelligent restraints remain the need of the day for online safety, requiring coordinated efforts from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and other stakeholders.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Children have fundamental right to internet: Supreme Court warns against blanket ban
The court was hearing applications seeking stronger measures to make social media platforms accountable for detecting, reporting and removing child sexual exploitation and abuse material online.
'Our Children Are Entitled To Both': SC Says Internet Access Is A Fundamental Right For Children
The Supreme Court said children should not be denied internet access simply because online platforms have failed to remove harmful content. It warned that restrictions could push children towards unregulated websites, exposing them to greater risks.
Supreme Court declares internet access a fundamental right for children, rejects blanket bans
The court also highlighted the importance of online access for children with special needs, observing that digital spaces can offer opportunities to find companionship and connect with others in similar circumstances.
Access to internet fundamental right, even for children: SC rejects age-based ban
The Supreme Court rejected blanket age-based restrictions on children's internet access. It sought stronger safeguards against online sexual abuse without curtailing fundamental rights.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium




















