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Delhi HC tells Google and Apple to curb obscene content on mobile apps; seeks CERT-In action
The Delhi High Court directed Google and Apple to act strictly against the dissemination of obscene pornographic content through mobile apps on their platforms and asked CERT-In to monitor the issue. The bench emphasized the duty of intermediaries to act not only on complaints but also at the time of uploading, and referenced IT Rules 2021. The PIL by Rubika Thapa raised concerns about apps hosting vulgar content and the court set July 17 for the next hearing.
Why It Matters
This ruling highlights the balance between free expression and safeguarding youth online, potentially affecting how global tech platforms moderate content in India.
Timeline
1 Event
Delhi High Court orders action against obscene content on mobile apps and asks for a report
May 13, 2026
A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard a PIL by Rubika Thapa and directed Google and Apple to act strictly against the dissemination of pornographic content through mobile applications hosted on their platforms, not only on receiving complaints but also at the time of uploading, exercising due diligence. The court asked the Centre's Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to check the dissemination of such content and issued notices to the central government, Google LLC, Apple, and CERT-In, seeking an action-taken report. The court stated it cannot permit an entire generation to be ruined and urged adherence to the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The matter would be heard next on July 17.