'Action is needed': Supreme Court urges measures against YouTube obscenity

Supreme Court Demands Immediate Action Against Obscene Content on YouTube

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong directive to curb the spread of obscene and explicit content on YouTube and other social media platforms, calling for urgent measures to protect young users from harmful material. Expressing deep concern over the alarming rise in inappropriate videos—often disguised as children's content—the court emphasized the need for stricter regulations and accountability from tech companies.  

The bench, headed by Justice Hima Kohli, made these observations while hearing a petition highlighting the dangers of unregulated adult content masquerading as innocent cartoons. Justice Kohli pointed out the disturbing trend where searches for nursery rhymes or popular children’s characters often lead to vulgar and disturbing videos. "When a child’s innocent search results in exposure to explicit material, the system has clearly failed," the judge remarked. "Platforms cannot evade responsibility by blaming algorithms while our children are put at risk."  

The case gained urgency after a Delhi-based psychologist presented findings on the psychological harm caused by so-called "ElsaGate" videos—distorted parodies of beloved cartoons featuring inappropriate themes. Dr. Meera Kapoor, a child psychologist, explained how these videos, which manipulate characters like Peppa Pig or Chhota Bheem into unsettling scenarios, are causing anxiety, nightmares, and behavioral issues in young viewers. "Parents often remain unaware until the damage is done," she said.  

The court sharply questioned YouTube’s parent company, Google, about the effectiveness of its age-restriction tools, which are easily bypassed with a simple click. "A child can falsely claim to be over 18 without any verification. Is this the level of protection you offer?" the bench asked Google’s legal representative.  

In response, the Central government outlined a proposed four-part strategy to tackle the issue: deploying advanced AI to monitor uploads in real time, expanding teams of human moderators for Indian-language content, simplifying parental control features, and taking legal action against creators who disguise obscene material as child-friendly content.  

On the ground, the issue has left parents frustrated and alarmed. Priya Singh, a mother from Mumbai, recounted her shock when she discovered her six-year-old watching a violent parody of the animated film Frozen. "I reported the video multiple times, but the platform kept recommending similar content. It feels like these companies prioritize profits over children’s safety," she said.  

While the push for regulation has gained momentum, digital rights advocates warn against overly broad measures that could stifle legitimate content. "The definition of 'obscenity' must be precise to avoid misuse," said tech policy analyst Rahul Mathew. "A balanced approach is needed—one that protects children without unjustly censoring creators."  

The Supreme Court has given the government and social media platforms three weeks to submit detailed plans for action, with the next hearing scheduled for November 15. The ruling could mark a pivotal moment in India’s efforts to create a safer online environment for its youngest users.  

As Justice Kohli succinctly stated, "The right to free expression ends where the exploitation of childhood begins."