Internet access is fundamental right for children: Supreme Court

The top court's decision came on a petition filed by NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, which had flagged the alarming proliferation of child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) circulating on social media platforms. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran emphasised that while protecting children from online harms was crucial, restricting internet access entirely would be counterproductive.

The judges noted that the internet serves as a vital marketplace for ideas, creative expression and information for both adults and children. "The internet's value is priceless, not merely in the information it holds, but in the access it affords to individuals across all age groups," the bench observed, referencing the court's earlier judgments on digital rights.

The Supreme Court's directive requires the central government to create a comprehensive database system capable of identifying sexually explicit visual content depicting minors and ensuring its swift removal from digital platforms. The order underscores the need for balanced regulation that safeguards children from exploitation without curtailing their right to access digital resources essential for education, communication and development.

The judgment reflects the court's attempt to navigate the complex challenge of protecting vulnerable children while recognising the internet's indispensable role in modern life. Experts suggest this decision could prompt stricter compliance protocols from social media platforms operating in India.