### Madras High Court Advocates Australia-Inspired Digital Safety Law for Minors The Madras High Court has recently emphasized the urgent need for India to consider implementing a digital safety law similar to Australia's, which restricts social media access for children under the age of 16. This recommendation arises from growing concerns regarding children's exposure to online dangers, particularly pornography and other harmful content. The court's suggestion reflects a broader recognition of the vulnerabilities faced by minors in the digital landscape and the necessity for stronger legal protections to ensure their safety online. The Australian law, enacted in December 2025, has been hailed as a pioneering step in child protection, prompting Indian authorities to explore similar measures to safeguard its youth [https://indianmasterminds.com/news/madras-high-court-consider-australia-digital-safety-law-171678]. ### Key Aspects of the Madras High Court's Recommendation 1. **Legislative Proposal**: The court has urged the Indian government to draft legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, drawing inspiration from Australia's recent regulatory framework [https://www.medianews4u.com/madras-high-court-flags-need-for-india-specific-law-to-curb-minors-access-to-social-media]. 2. **Child Safety Concerns**: The court highlighted the alarming ease with which minors can access pornographic content online, stressing the need for immediate action to protect children from such exposure [https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/madras-high-court-urges-centre-to-consider-australia-style-social-media-ban-for-children-under-16-article-153351686]. 3. **Parental Responsibility**: Emphasizing the role of parents, the court noted that they must take greater responsibility in monitoring their children's online activities, especially in light of the high vulnerability of minors [https://www.barandbench.com/news/madras-high-court-bats-for-australia-like-law-banning-social-media-for-kids-under-16]. 4. **Awareness Campaigns**: Alongside legislative measures, the court has directed authorities to intensify awareness campaigns regarding child pornography and online safety, until such laws are enacted [https://lawstreet.co/judiciary/madras-hc-suggests-australia-like-law-to-restrict-childrens-internet-use-orders-awareness-drive-on-child-pornography]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Australia's Legislative Action**: Australia became the first country to implement a complete ban on social media for children under 16, a move that has garnered support from various child rights organizations and parents [https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/madras-high-court-bats-for-australia-like-law-banning-social-media-for-children-below-16-2842101-2025-12-26]. - **Judicial Concerns**: The Madras High Court's concerns stem from the inadequacy of current measures to protect children, as highlighted by the judges during hearings on the matter [https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/dec/26/madurai-hc-to-centre-frame-law-to-curb-kids-internet-use]. - **Public Interest Litigation**: The court's recommendations were made in the context of a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought to address the rampant availability of harmful online content to minors [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/madras-hc-suggests-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-citing-australian-law]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Action on Child Online Safety In summary, the Madras High Court's call for an Australia-like law to restrict social media access for children under 16 underscores a critical need for enhanced protections for minors in India. The court's recommendations highlight the following key points: 1. **Legislative Action**: Urgent need for a law to restrict minors' access to social media. 2. **Child Safety**: Recognition of the risks posed by online content, particularly pornography. 3. **Parental Involvement**: Emphasis on the role of parents in safeguarding their children online. 4. **Awareness Initiatives**: Need for campaigns to educate about online dangers until new laws are enacted. The court's proactive stance reflects a growing awareness of the digital challenges facing children today and the imperative for legislative and societal action to protect their well-being [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/madras-high-court-says-centre-should-consider-australia-like-law-barring-under-16-children-from-social-media-13743181.html].