Supreme Court Urges Uniform Standards for Online Content and Considers Aadhaar Verification Requirement

The Supreme Court observed that Aadhaar-based age verification may be required to regulate online content that is “obscene,” derogatory towards persons with disabilities, or promotes “anti-national” views.

The Court noted that warnings such as “viewer discretion advised” are inadequate because content often starts playing before a viewer can exit, and observed that Aadhaar verification could serve as an additional safeguard.

The Court also called for an autonomous regulatory body to determine what content may be permitted, citing concerns related to unity, integrity and sovereignty under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

The petitions arise from allegations that creators, including Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina, made offensive public remarks.