Citing violent, explicit content, plea seeks restrictions on YouTube; Madras HC issues notice to Union government
The absence on any restrictions imposed by YouTube enables anyone to publish objectionable content on the platform, the PIL alleged
Madras High Court
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court issued notice to the Union government in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to direct the government to evolve a mechanism to regulate and restrict the functioning of leading video platform YouTube.
The first division bench of acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice PB Balaji heard the petition moved by V Parthiban, a Chennai-based advocate, claiming that the lack of a mechanism in YouTube to regulate the content before it is published has been affecting the peace and tranquility of the general public.
The bench issued a notice to the Union government returnable by two weeks.
The petitioner contended that YouTube has no restrictions if anyone publishes objectionable content on the platform. It would not oversee the content until someone reports.
He also claimed that the increasing number of murders, suicides, depression and other issues in society were influenced by the unrestricted content, including videos and images, posted on social media, especially YouTube.
The lack of a mechanism to govern the content enabled YouTubers to post explicit content showcasing a child being sexually abused for the monetary benefits of the channel owner, alleged the petitioner.
As YouTube is the prime abettor by providing a free platform for uncontrolled, uncensored posts and comments, specific laws and regulations should be imposed to curb the adverse consequences, the petitioner added.
