'Contracts For Minors Illegal In India': Centre Backs Supreme Court On Restricting Social Media Access For Under-18s

New Delhi: The centre has reportedly agreed to make changes in the IT Rules to prevent the social media platforms from allowing the minors to open their accounts. Earlier, the Supreme Court had requested the centre to pass some directions under Intermediary Rules to ensure that these platforms make the necessary changes. In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured that something must be done for the children, adding that these firms must obey the Indian rules.

Centre Backs SC's Suggestions

While appearing for petitioner NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance', senior advocate HS Phoolka pointed out that the Indian law does not allow the social media firms to enter into contracts with children below 18 years of age independently. He further stated that rather than just guidelines, changes should be made in the Intermediary Rules to ensure implementation.

The bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, upon hearing the argument, sought safeguard from the centre. "We need some safeguards in India," the bench had said, reported news agency PTI.

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'Must Conform With Indian Law'

"Please pass directions under the intermediary rules that they fashion their software, or whatever the platform is called, in conformity with Indian law. The software has to conform with Indian law. That is our request," Justice Bagchi told the solicitor general.

SG Mehta responded by stating that the order will be taken as direction, adding that the foreign firms must oblige with the Indian rules. Senior lawyer Phoolka further pointed out that there was no need to wait for the Data Protection Act as these contracts are void under the already existent law of our country.

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"Under existing Indian law, these contracts are void. We don't need to wait for the Data Protection Act. Existing law bars them," the senior leader said. Mehta assured the bench that the government would examine the issue and take appropriate steps.