A division bench at the Madurai bench, comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan, made the oral observation during a hearing on a public interest litigation concerning minors' easy access to online pornographic content.

The court emphasised stricter oversight of internet service providers (ISPs), directing them to mandatorily offer user-friendly parental control tools for filtering and monitoring children's online activities.

Until dedicated legislation is framed, the bench urged intensified awareness campaigns through schools, media, and platforms to educate parents and children on safe internet practices.

The PIL sought interventions from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Tamil Nadu's child rights body, and ISPs to enforce parental controls and run widespread awareness drives.

Australia pioneered the global move last month with its Online Safety Amendment Bill, effective December 9, barring under-16s from platforms like Companies face hefty fines for non-compliance, including rigorous age verification.

The Australian law aims to shield minors from harmful content and cyber threats but has triggered debates over free speech and enforcement feasibility.

Indian authorities have long grappled with rising concerns over children's exposure to explicit material and social media risks. The court's suggestion adds momentum to calls for robust digital safeguards amid growing smartphone penetration among youth.

No immediate response came from the Centre, but child rights advocates welcomed the judicial nudge toward proactive regulation.