The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to examine whether a statutory requirement should be introduced for social media platforms to comply with Indian laws concerning minors, including an 18-year minimum age for independently entering into platform contracts.

The observation came during the hearing of a plea filed by the Just Rights for Children Alliance. Senior Advocate H.S. Phoolka argued that contracts entered into by minors are already void under existing law and called for legally enforceable obligations on online intermediaries.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the requirement should not remain merely a guideline and asked the Centre to consider giving it a “statutory format” under the intermediary rules.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government would examine the issue and take the necessary steps.

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