Access fundamental right, even for children: SC rejects age-based internet 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.

In Short

• Stricter safeguards must speed detection and removal of online abuse material
• Children's safety and digital freedom are not mutually opposed, court says
• Blanket restrictions could drive young users towards dangerous unregulated websites

The Supreme Court has rejected blanket age-based restrictions on internet access, holding that children enjoy the fundamental right to access and use the internet. It has, however, called for a stricter framework to protect them from online sexual abuse, including faster detection and removal of child sexual abuse material across platforms.

The court said children’s safety and freedom were not at odds with each other. Denying them internet access altogether would be unreasonable, it observed, while stressing that safeguards must protect children without taking away their rights.

The court also warned that age-based restrictions could push children towards unregulated and potentially more dangerous websites. Children who are enticed or threatened online may also hesitate to report such incidents to parents or trusted adults for fear of punishment for violating the restrictions, it said.

(Developing story. It will be updated soon.)

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