Supreme Court Eyes Aadhaar For Age Verification In Online Content

Supreme Court Suggests New Age Verification Measures

In a landmark move, the Supreme Court of India has proposed using Aadhaar, the country's unique identification system, to verify ages for viewing potentially obscene online content. This recommendation emerged during a session on Thursday, where the court underscored the necessity of an independent regulatory body to manage the nature of permissible online materials.

The Bench’s Observations on Content Warnings

The discussion, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, arose while reviewing petitions related to online content, involving comedians and podcasters. The bench highlighted the inefficacy of current warning systems on platforms like YouTube. They noted, "By the time a viewer decides not to watch a show, it has already started," pointing out the need for more robust age verification processes.

“The warning can be for a few seconds. Then perhaps ask for your Aadhaar card, etc., so your age can be verified, and then the program can start."

Combining Expertise for a Pilot Approach

The court is considering a pilot program that integrates judiciary, media, and tech expertise to explore these suggestions without stifling freedom of speech. "Let something come up on a pilot basis, and if it clogs free speech and expression, it can be looked at then," the bench proposed, advocating for a balanced approach to nurturing a responsible digital society.