New Delhi: Shifting the national debate on sexual crimes from post-crime punishment to proactive prevention, social activists and legal experts have raised a strong demand for a strict legal framework to block minors from accessing obscene and pornographic content online.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India, experts from the fields of law, journalism, and social welfare argued that the easy availability of sexually explicit material on smartphones is severely impacting young minds. Uday Mahurkar, former Central Information Commissioner and founder of the ‘Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation’, has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister proposing a dedicated law to shield those under 18 from such content.
Mahurkar stressed the urgent need for robust age verification systems and platform accountability. He stated that the government could even consider a complete ban on social media use by minors, drawing parallels with recent legislative discussions in Australia. Furthermore, his proposal demands that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) be made legally accountable for the spread of pornography on their networks, suggesting the mandatory use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for effective content filtering.
To create a stronger deterrent, Mahurkar also proposed amending the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. His suggestions include provisions for a 10-year prison sentence, denial of bail for up to three years, and the confiscation of property for offenders.
Adding to the discussion, Yogita Bhayana, founder of People Against Rape in India (PARI), emphasized that the fight against sexual violence must begin well before a crime takes place. She noted that early exposure to explicit material distorts a child’s understanding of consent and human relationships.
“Since mobile phones have become essential for education, the entire responsibility cannot fall on parents alone,” Bhayana said. She argued that tech companies and regulatory bodies must share the burden, stressing that children’s safety and dignity must override commercial interests. Bhayana also criticized the entertainment industry, particularly Bollywood, stating that the continuous objectification of women on screen normalizes disrespect and sends a dangerous message to the youth.