CJI Surya Kant Compares Blackmailing by Digital Platforms to "Digital Arrest"

The Supreme Court observed that certain digital platforms operate as "blackmailers," describing their actions as a form of "digital arrest."

A bench led by CJI Surya Kant made these remarks while hearing a petition seeking to regulate the police practice of posting photos of accused persons on social media.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that while mainstream media is largely responsible, many virtual platforms engage in blatant blackmail. The Court expressed concern over growing social media insensitivity and the "atomized" nature of online platforms.

The Court advised the petitioner to await state-framed guidelines on police media briefings before further proceedings.

[Hemendra Patel v. UOI]