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- Supreme Court Rules On Social Media Age Limit | India Legal Norms Update
New Delhi16 minutes ago
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The Supreme Court has asked the Center to consider statutory rules imposing an age of 18 years for social media accounts.
The court said that social media platforms will have to follow Indian laws related to minors. Minors are under the age of 18 and cannot make legal contracts on their own.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana made this comment on September 28.
The bench was hearing a petition by Just Rights for Children Alliance (JRCA). The petition demands protection of children on social media and other digital platforms.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that this condition should not be limited to just guidelines. He asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consider giving it a “statutory shape” under intermediary rules.
Justice Bagchi said, “The software must be in accordance with Indian law.” He stressed that platforms will have to make their arrangements according to Indian legal requirements.
Tushar Mehta said that the Center will investigate the issue. “Something can be done, something must be done and will be done,” he told the bench.
Mehta also mentioned Section 79 of the Information Technology Act (IT Act). This section is related to intermediaries.
The petition raises the question of how minors, incapable of forming legally binding contracts, can create and operate their own accounts on digital platforms.
Mehta said that prima facie the issue falls under the purview of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
However, senior advocate HS Phoolka, appearing for JRCA, said that the relevant provisions of the Data Protection Act will come into force in 2027.
He argued that there is no need to wait for the new law. Under current law, agreements made on behalf of minors are void.
The Solicitor General suggested that a regulatory regime based on parental consent could be created. In this, a contract can be made between the parent and the platform.
Indian law applies even to platforms registered abroad
The bench also said that many digital intermediaries operating in India are incorporated or registered abroad. These also include companies registered or incorporated in America.
The court said that while working in India, these platforms will have to follow Indian laws.
Phoolka said that the Center can direct intermediaries under Section 79 of the IT Act to ensure compliance with laws related to minors.
Online threats to children mentioned in petition
The petition mentions many dangers posed to children by online platforms. These include grooming, sexual exploitation, digital trafficking and sextortion.
The petition also highlights the dangers of behavioral profiling, misuse of personal data and cyberbullying.
This news was updated on September 28, 2026 at 9:17 pm.
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