The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has observed that the Union government may explore the possibility of bringing a law similar to Australia’s framework that restricts children under 16 from holding social media accounts, amid growing concerns about minors’ exposure to harmful online content.

A Division Bench of Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan observed while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2018 by S Vijayakumar.

The petition sought directions to internet service providers (ISPs) to provide a “parental window” service and for authorities to step up awareness among children, pointing to the easy availability and accessibility of pornographic content to minors.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel, KPS Palanivel Rajan, referred to Australia’s new law restricting under-16s from holding social media accounts and argued India could consider similar legislation.

The court noted that while individuals may choose to access objectionable content, children are a “vulnerable group”, and parents carry a higher responsibility in safeguarding them.

The judges also underlined that awareness efforts currently undertaken are not adequate and stressed the need for stronger outreach through all available media. They said the State and National Commissions for Protection of Child Rights should draw an action plan to promote child-rights literacy and safe internet usage, while pushing the message more effectively to vulnerable users until any legislative change is considered.

The court’s remarks come as Australia begins enforcing what has been widely described as a world-first under-16 social media restriction regime. Under Australia’s system, platforms are expected to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from having accounts, with penalties aimed at companies rather than children or parents.

In India, the Madras High Court’s observation adds to the intensifying debate on whether age-gating, parental controls, and stricter enforcement should become central to child online safety policy—especially as courts and regulators confront the practical challenge of protecting minors without overreaching into lawful adult access.