The Madras High Court on September 25 issued an order restraining media outlets, social media intermediaries, and digital platforms from publishing or circulating any videos related to a child sexual abuse material (CSAM) case under investigation by the Central Crime Branch in Chennai. The court also mandated the removal of any such content already uploaded by September 26, applying the restrictions to all, including unknown persons identified as "John Doe / Ashok Kumar," according to medianama.com.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) forwarded the court order to major news channels such as India Today, Republic TV, and Sathiyam TV, as well as to newspapers, private satellite TV channels, digital media publishers, their self-regulatory bodies, and social media intermediaries. The court noted involvement of at least 28 YouTube channels in spreading or discussing the CSAM-related content. It directed all entities to remove the material immediately, warning of police enforcement if the order was not complied with.
This legal intervention highlights the judiciary's active role in curbing the circulation of sensitive and illegal content online, particularly in cases involving child sexual abuse. The order aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny over digital platforms in India, where courts and government bodies have been enforcing stricter controls to prevent the spread of harmful material. The involvement of multiple media and digital platforms underscores the challenge of controlling CSAM dissemination in the digital age.
The court's directive requires all media and digital entities to complete the removal of the CSAM-related videos by September 26. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's communication to key news outlets and intermediaries ensures wide awareness and compliance with the order, reinforcing the legal framework against online abuse material in India.