Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday asserted that digital platforms must take greater responsibility for the content hosted on their services, particularly with regard to the safety and well-being of children. He said intermediaries cannot evade accountability when harmful or inappropriate material circulates online, emphasising the government’s commitment to strengthening digital safeguards.

Speaking at a public event on technology governance, Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid growth of social media and user-generated platforms, noting that millions of young users now access digital spaces daily. He stressed that while innovation and freedom of expression are important, platforms must ensure robust content moderation systems, age-appropriate filters and grievance redressal mechanisms. The minister underscored that child safety is non-negotiable in India’s evolving digital ecosystem.

Vaishnaw referred to existing regulatory frameworks under the Information Technology rules, which require significant social media intermediaries to appoint compliance officers and respond promptly to takedown requests. He indicated that the government would continue to engage with stakeholders to strengthen enforcement and ensure that companies adhere to due diligence norms. According to him, technological advancement must be accompanied by ethical responsibility.

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The remarks come amid growing global concern over online harms, including cyberbullying, exposure to explicit material and algorithm-driven amplification of misleading content. Governments worldwide are grappling with how to balance free speech protections with stricter oversight of digital platforms. In India, policymakers have increasingly focused on safeguarding minors from online exploitation and ensuring accountability in cases involving harmful viral content.

Vaishnaw reiterated that India’s approach aims to create a safe and trusted internet while preserving innovation and entrepreneurship. He called upon technology companies to proactively invest in safety infrastructure, collaborate with law enforcement when required and adopt child-centric design principles. As digital penetration expands across the country, the minister said, ensuring a secure online environment for children remains a top priority for policymakers.

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