Delhi HC urges Google, Apple to curb obscene content in apps
Delhi HC urges Google, Apple to curb obscene content in apps
Delhi High Court orders Google and Apple to curb obscene content in apps, citing IT Rules 2021 and CERT-In oversight.
In a significant hearing, the Delhi High Court directed Google and Apple to act decisively against the dissemination of obscene pornographic content through mobile apps hosted on their platforms. A bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia stressed that social media intermediaries have to play the most vital role in policing online material under the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The court asked the central government's CERT-In to step up monitoring and report back on practical steps to curb such material.
The petition by Rubika Thapa contends that several apps, often not Indian-origin, host vulgar live streams designed to attract and retain users while earning millions in revenue. The court heard that these apps are easily accessible to children, raising urgent concerns about safety and exploitation.
Authority figures urged that platforms must adhere to 2021 IT Rules in letter and spirit, strengthening due diligence obligations and faster takedown procedures. The court also ordered a notice to Google, Apple, and CERT-In and sought an action-taken report from the platforms.
Observers say the ruling signals greater accountability for tech intermediaries and could reshape how content moderation is handled online in India. It also underscores the need for robust collaboration between platforms and government agencies to curb harmful material.
The outcome could influence broader online-safety norms, especially for children, as authorities continue to grapple with rapid growth in app-based services.
