NEW DELHI:
The Supreme Court has observed that access to the internet is a fundamental right and said a blanket restriction on children’s internet use cannot be the solution to the dangers posed by online content. The court stressed that children are entitled to constitutional protections and that their safety must be balanced with their rights to access information and express themselves.
A Bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran made the observations while hearing a petition filed by the Just Rights for Children Alliance, which sought intervention to curb the circulation of child sexual exploitation and abuse material online. The court said children should not be denied digital access altogether in the name of protecting them from online harm.
The Bench referred to the constitutional protections under Articles 21 and 19(1)(a), which guarantee the right to life and personal liberty and the freedom of speech and expression. It also referred to earlier judgments that recognised the growing importance of digital access in education, communication and participation in public life.
The court indicated that more targeted safeguards were needed instead of a blanket ban. Measures discussed included age-appropriate settings, default private accounts for children, restrictions on messaging and stronger content moderation. Parental supervision and dedicated child-friendly modes on digital platforms could also play a role in making online spaces safer.
The court has also sought information from the government on technological measures used by online intermediaries to identify and remove abusive material. The proceedings highlight the challenge of protecting children from exploitation while ensuring that restrictions do not unnecessarily deny them access to the internet and its educational and social benefits.