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India’s Supreme Court Demands Tighter Rules for Online Content and Free Speech

A landmark debate unfolds as judges challenge the wild west of digital content. Could this reshape how India polices speech—and who gets silenced?

In this image we can see a website. There are videos and we can see text.
In this image we can see a website. There are videos and we can see text.

India’s Supreme Court Demands Tighter Rules for Online Content and Free Speech

India’s Supreme Court has called for stricter controls on online content, questioning the lack of oversight for platforms like YouTube. The debate centres on balancing free speech with the need to curb offensive or illegal material. Currently, the country relies on constitutional protections but lacks a dedicated law for press freedom or digital regulation.

The discussion began after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned how anyone could launch a YouTube channel without regulation. He highlighted concerns over unchecked content, including online videos and stand-up comedy that sometimes mock marginalised groups or descend into vulgarity.

The Supreme Court’s push for a new regulatory system marks a potential shift in how India manages online speech. If implemented, the changes would introduce stricter oversight while relying on constitutional limits to define acceptable content. The government’s next steps will determine how platforms and creators adapt to the rules.

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