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Supreme Court Urges Independent Online Content Regulator as Centre Prepares Draft Rules

The bench asked the government to publish proposed guidelines for consultation within four weeks.

Overview

  • The court said industry self-regulation is ineffective and pressed for a neutral, autonomous oversight body for online platforms.
  • The Centre told the bench the information and broadcasting ministry is finalising a framework on harmful UGC and will release a draft for public feedback.
  • The judges suggested stronger age safeguards and upfront warnings, citing Aadhaar-based checks as an illustrative example for verifying access to adult content.
  • The bench called for tougher protections for persons with disabilities and directed Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia and others to host at least two disability fundraisers each month.
  • Creators’ petitions to club multiple FIRs remain before the court as it recommended forming an expert committee to examine online harms without gagging free speech.