Madurai bench prohibits downloading of TikTok

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice SS Sundar was hearing a PIL filed by S Muthukumar of Anna Nagar, Madurai. The bench also prohibited the media from telecasting videos made using TikTok.

According to the petitioner, Tik Tok is degrading culture and encouraging pornography. He submitted before the court that children, by using the said application, become vulnerable and are exposed to sexual predators. They also cause health issues among teens. Agreeing with the petitioner, the court observed that it is evident from media reports that pornography and inappropriate content are made available in this app.

The bench also expressed its consternation that minors are exposed to strangers online through TikTok. “Majority of the teens are playing pranks, gaffing around with duet videos sharing with split screen to the strangers. 

The children who use the said application are vulnerable and may be exposed to sexual predators …. Without understanding the dangers involved in these kinds of apps, it is unfortunate that our children are testing with these Apps,” the bench observed. Owing to such concerns, the app has also been banned in certain foreign countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh, the order noted.

The court also took note of certain incidents. On March 27, 2019, an autorickshaw driver was arrested for posting a video with a Chennai woman on this app. A 15-year old girl committed suicide in Mumbai after being scolded for using Tik Tok. On June 13, 2018, a 35-year old man fell into the Valparai waterfalls while taking a selfie for Tik Tok.

The bench went on to remark that the government ought to have introduced such measures earlier on, especially after the furore caused by the Blue Whale challenge. It said the game was prohibited by this court on suo moto proceedings. It also emphasised that the government has a social responsibility to act in such circumstances.

The bench also asked the Central government whether it will enact a statue like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, enacted by the US, to prevent children becoming cyber/online victims.