Delhi High Court defers social media child ban
Analysis based on 13 articles · First reported Aug 20, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026
The ruling removes immediate regulatory threat for social media platforms, as no ban or restrictions were imposed. However, the government's future policy decision could introduce compliance costs and operational changes for platforms operating in India.
The India — Delhi High Court disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking restrictions on children's access to social media and stronger measures against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The Division Bench of Justices V. Kameswar Rao and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora held that banning or regulating children's social media use is a policy matter best left to the Central Government. The court directed the government to consider the petitioners' suggestions and consult stakeholders, including social media intermediaries, but did not prescribe a timeline. The PIL was filed by Kirti Dua and Dr. Sharad Gupta, who sought restrictions for children under 13 and a regulatory framework for ages 13-16. During the hearing, Meta's counsel Arvind Datar reported high CSAM detection rates on Facebook and Instagram. The court declined to issue directions mandating a ban, leaving the matter to the executive.
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