The Supreme Court has mandated the Indian government to create guidelines for social media conduct, specifically addressing content on platforms such as YouTube and podcasts. This decision comes in the wake of controversy surrounding comedians who made offensive comments about individuals with disabilities. The court, emphasizing the need to balance free speech with respect for human dignity, has instructed that these guidelines must be developed in collaboration with the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA). The proposed regulations should be comprehensive enough to address future challenges and protect the rights of all citizens. The court stressed the importance of sensitivity in content creation, particularly in a diverse nation, cautioning against the commercialization of speech that could harm sentiments. The Attorney General for India has agreed to present the draft guidelines to the court, with the next hearing scheduled for November.
