The Delhi High Court (HC) on Wednesday voiced concerns for shielding young users on the internet, directing tech giants Apple and Google to take strict action against cell phone applications allegedly promoting obscene and pornographic content. The court observed that unchecked propagation of such material could harm an entire generation, and emphasised that intermediaries cannot remain passive conduits and must act decisively.

“Diligence must begin at upload stage,” rules bench

A bench comprising Delhi HC’s Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia noted that platforms hosting applications bear a crucial responsibility; not only after complaints are raised, but also at the stage of giving the nod to apps for uploading content. It remarked, “We cannot permit an entire generation of the country to be ruined,” underscoring that the right to freedom under Article 19 does not account for fostering harmful digital ecosystems.

Thereafter, the court directed both companies to ensure strict compliance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, and to check the spread of such applications at the earliest.

Petition alleges inaction by companies

The court’s ruling came while it was hearing a petition filed by Rubika Thapa, who alleged that platforms had failed to contain the proliferation of apps promoting vulgar and explicit content. Her plea highlighted that many such applications are based out of India, often lack transparency regarding ownership and operational jurisdiction. It further mentioned that several were reportedly linked to servers in countries such as the United States (US), Turkey, Russia, China and Japan, complicating regulatory oversight.

Apps streaming explicit content earn millions of dollars, alleges counsel

The petition further contended that several ‘significant social media intermediaries’ had failed to perform diligent obligations under the 2021 IT Rules. It alleged that the platforms not only host but also promote such apps, thereby emerging as indirect complicit in their spread.

The counsel also argued that these applications generate millions of dollars through unlawful means.

Centre backs calls for strict enforcement

Appearing for the Centre during the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma supported the petitioner’s stance, noting that firm action is necessary. He observed that intermediaries must play a proactive role, as governments alone cannot work to monitor and block content globally without cooperation at the platform level.

Towards the end of the hearing, the court directed Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) along with Apple and Google to file an action taken report before appearing for the next hearing.

The matter is slated to be heard next on July 17, 2026, with the bench expecting rollout of tangible steps to curb the spread of objectionable digital content.