The Supreme Court of India has indicated that stronger controls on online content may soon become necessary, especially as concerns rise about obscene material, disability-demeaning posts, and content described as anti-national. The remarks came during proceedings involving digital creators Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina, where the Court discussed the broader issue of regulating what appears on social media and other online platforms.
During the hearing, the Court suggested that Aadhaar-based age verification could be considered as a way to restrict minors from viewing explicit or adult material. At present, most platforms rely on self-declared ages, which can be easily bypassed. By linking access to a verified identity, the Court noted, it may become possible to create a more reliable system that prevents underage users from reaching harmful content. This idea, however, is likely to renew debate over privacy and data protection, as Aadhaar-linked verification raises longstanding concerns about surveillance and loss of digital anonymity.
The government informed the Court that it plans to start consultations for a new regulatory model aimed at handling online content more effectively. These consultations are expected to address a wide range of issues, including obscene material, harassment of people with disabilities, misinformation, and posts viewed as a threat to national interests. The Court stressed the importance of ensuring that any new framework offers meaningful protection to vulnerable communities, particularly individuals with disabilities who are often targeted or ridiculed online. It also hinted that future rules may create clearer responsibilities for platforms, intermediaries, and content creators.
This discussion reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing free expression with the need to prevent harm in digital spaces. Although India already has rules governing intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, the volume and speed of content creation make it increasingly difficult to monitor everything effectively. By calling attention to contentious categories of speech, the Court signaled that existing mechanisms may need strengthening, while acknowledging that any new rules must still respect constitutional guarantees.
If stricter regulations are adopted, users and platforms may see noticeable changes. Age-restricted content could require Aadhaar verification or another strong identity check. Platforms may face tighter deadlines for removing flagged material and greater pressure to moderate content proactively. Creators could shoulder more direct liability for what they publish. Posts dealing with national security, disability, or vulnerable groups might face heightened scrutiny.
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