'Won't let an entire generation be ruined', High Court expresses displeasure with app stores

The Delhi High Court has taken a strong stance against mobile apps linked to pornography, prostitution, and other illegal activities. The court has directed Google and Apple to take immediate action against such apps on their platforms.

We won't let an entire generation be ruined.

During the hearing, the division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela stated that the court cannot allow an entire generation of the country to be ruined. 

The court clearly stated that intermediaries like Google and Apple are not only responsible after receiving a complaint, but must also exercise caution when uploading apps to the App Store and Play Store.

Strict adherence to IT rules is necessary

The High Court stated that intermediary companies have significant responsibilities under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. According to the court, the reach of such apps is widespread, and therefore, companies should pre-screen whether any app is linked to pornography, 

sex rackets, drugs, arms trafficking, or organized crime. The court directed that the spread of such content and apps be immediately stopped and that the 2021 IT Rules be fully complied with.

Action report sought by July

The court has asked Google, Apple, and the central government to submit action taken reports by the next hearing, which will take place in July.

Serious allegations made in the PIL

The case relates to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a woman named Rubika Thapa. 

The petition alleged that several mobile apps were promoting pornographic content, immoral trafficking, prostitution, drugs, illegal arms trade, and organized crime. Tanmay Mehta, the lawyer representing the petitioner, argued that such apps were generating millions of dollars in revenue from illegal activities.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the central government, also stressed the need for strict action. He said that the government alone cannot block everything worldwide, so the role of intermediary companies is crucial.