The Supreme Court has asked the central government to consider statutory rules for social media accounts of children below 18.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, heard the case on September 28. The petition was filed by the NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance.

The petition points to a legal gap. Platforms like Facebook and Snapchat let users aged 13 and above open accounts. But under India's Contract Act, minors cannot enter into binding contracts. The NGO argues that accepting terms of service is a contract, making such accounts legally shaky.

Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, for the petitioner, said platforms should take parental consent before letting minors register.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government will amend the IT Intermediary Rules. He agreed that platforms must follow Indian law.

Justice Bagchi asked the Centre to direct platforms to design their systems in line with Indian law. The court will hear the matter again after the government reports back.