Mangaluru-based PADI welcomes SC directions to Centre on safeguards for minors on social media

PADI, the city-based organisation working for the protection of children, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s direction to the Union government, asking it to come up with norms to ensure that minors do not get social media accounts.

In a statement, PADI CEO Renni D’Souza said the direction would have a far-reaching impact on protection of children online, particularly at a time when children were spending more time on social media. Minors are also exposed to risks such as online sexual exploitation, grooming, trafficking, sextortion and cyberbullying.

Mr. D’Souza said the apex court’s observation was an important step towards making digital platforms accountable under Indian law. Stronger safeguards and accountability for social media platforms were urgently needed, he said.

PADI is the partner of Just Rights for Children (JRC), which filed the petition before the Supreme Court seeking stronger safeguards for children using digital platforms, Mr. D’Souza said.