The Delhi High Court has disposed of a petition seeking stronger safeguards for children using social media platforms, including restrictions on access for younger children and tighter regulation of online content.
A Division Bench of Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the order on August 20, 2026.
Background of the Case
The petitioners, Ms Kirti Dua and another, had sought directions to the Union Government to frame guidelines, regulations and legislation concerning children's access to social media. The prayers included restrictions for children below 13 years, regulation of content for those aged 13 to 16 years, and stronger implementation of existing laws including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the POCSO Act, 2012.
The petition also sought measures relating to content filtering, user-age verification and restrictions on inappropriate material affecting children.
Court's Consideration
During the earlier hearing, the Court was informed about a similar issue before the Supreme Court in Zep Foundation v. Union of India & Ors. The Supreme Court had disposed of that matter while giving the petitioner liberty to make a representation to the Union Government.
On August 20, the Union Government informed the High Court that the relief sought involved matters of policy. It submitted that the petitioners could make a representation, which would be considered in accordance with law.
The Court observed:
“If that be so, we deem it appropriate to dispose of the petition by directing the respondent no. 1 to consider that writ petition along with the note of suggestions filed on 20.08.2026 by the petitioners and pass a reasoned order on the same.”
Decision
The High Court directed the Union Government to consider the petition along with the petitioners' note of suggestions and pass a reasoned order. The Government was also given liberty, if considered appropriate, to hear the petitioners' representatives while examining the representation.
The petition, along with the pending applications, was accordingly disposed of.
