SC Orders Comedians to Apologise and Suggests Social Media Guidelines
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
- ▶
BEFORE: Digital influencers and stand-up comedians operated with minimal oversight regarding derogatory content against vulnerable groups on personal platforms. NOW: The Supreme Court ruled that commercialised speech carries responsibility and is subject to stricter scrutiny than ordinary free speech.
- ▶
BEFORE: Victims of derogatory online content had to file individual FIRs or court petitions for every new incident. NOW: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must frame broad-based, future-proof guidelines for online content in consultation with domain experts and the NBDSA.
- ▶
BEFORE: Apologies for offensive content were often informal or defensive. NOW: The Supreme Court mandated that apologies must be unconditional, proportional to the disrespect caused, and published on the exact platforms where the offensive content was originally shared.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the Supreme Court's 2025 directives on online content and the rights of persons with disabilities, consider the following statements: 1. The Court ruled that commercial speech by digital influencers enjoys the exact same level of absolute freedom as ordinary free speech under Article 19. 2. The Court directed the government to formulate guidelines balancing freedom of speech with the protection of dignity under Article 21. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?