Court Orders Google and Apple to Improve Monitoring of Obscene Content

May 13, 2026, 10:46
AsiaTechnology

Introduction

The Delhi High Court has ordered Google and Apple to implement stricter controls to stop the distribution of pornographic applications on their platforms.

Main Body

This legal action began with a public interest lawsuit filed by Rubika Thapa. She asserted that major social media companies have failed to follow their legal responsibilities under the 2021 IT Rules. The petitioner argued that these platforms not only host obscene content but also promote apps from foreign countries, such as the US, Russia, and China. Consequently, this makes it difficult for Indian laws to be applied. Furthermore, the petitioner's lawyers emphasized that these operations make millions of dollars and are often used for scams and extortion. In response, the judges stated that the responsibility of these companies goes beyond simply removing content after it is reported. Instead, they emphasized that companies must proactively screen apps during the upload process. The court explained that while freedom of business is protected, it is not absolute when it risks harming society. Additionally, the government's legal representative agreed that platforms must be held accountable because it is impossible for the state to block every global app. Therefore, the court has ordered Google, Apple, and CERT-In to follow the 2021 Rules strictly to protect teenagers from harmful material.

Conclusion

The court has asked the companies for a report on the actions they have taken, and the next hearing is scheduled for July 17.

Learning

The Secret to "Professional Flow": Logical Connectors

To move from A2 (basic sentences) to B2 (complex ideas), you need to stop using and, but, and so for everything. Look at how this text glues ideas together. This is called Cohesion.

1. The "Adding Weight" Strategy Instead of saying "Also," the text uses:

  • Furthermore... →\rightarrow Use this when you are adding a second, more serious point to an argument.
  • Additionally... →\rightarrow Use this when adding a new piece of information to a list.

2. The "Cause and Effect" Shift An A2 student says: "It is from China, so Indian laws don't work." A B2 student says: "...apps from foreign countries... Consequently, this makes it difficult for Indian laws to be applied."

B2 Power Move: Replace so with Consequently or Therefore when you want to sound authoritative or legal.

3. The Contrast Flip Notice the shift from a simple action to a complex requirement:

  • ...goes beyond simply removing content... Instead, they emphasized...

When you want to correct an idea or offer a better alternative, don't just say "No." Use Instead to pivot the conversation toward the solution.

Quick Summary for your Vocabulary Bank:

A2 WordB2 UpgradeContext
AlsoFurthermoreBuilding a legal/formal case
SoConsequentlyShowing a direct result
ButInsteadOffering a better alternative

Vocabulary Learning

implement
to put into effect or carry out
Example:The company will implement new safety measures next month.
distribute
to give out or share
Example:The charity will distribute food to the homeless.
obscene
offensive or indecent
Example:The film was banned for containing obscene scenes.
pornographic
related to pornographic material
Example:The website was shut down for hosting pornographic content.
platform
a base or system for hosting content
Example:The app is available on multiple platforms.
lawsuit
a legal case brought before a court
Example:The company faced a lawsuit over data privacy.
asserted
claimed or stated confidently
Example:She asserted that the policy was unfair.
responsibility
a duty or obligation to do something
Example:He has the responsibility to manage the team.
foreign
coming from another country
Example:They import foreign goods.
difficult
hard to do or understand
Example:The exam was difficult for many students.
operation
an activity or business that is carried out
Example:The operation was a success.
scam
a fraudulent scheme to deceive people
Example:He fell victim to a phone scam.
extortion
obtaining money or favors by force or threat
Example:The gang used extortion to get money.
proactively
taking action in advance to prevent problems
Example:The company proactively addressed the issue.
screen
to examine or check carefully
Example:They screen all applicants for background checks.
upload
to transfer files to a server or cloud
Example:Please upload the report to the cloud.
freedom
the state of being free from restrictions
Example:Freedom of speech is protected by law.
protected
kept safe from harm or danger
Example:The wildlife reserve is protected by law.
absolute
total, not limited or restricted
Example:Absolute silence was required in the library.
risk
the possibility of danger or loss
Example:There is a risk of injury if you don't wear a helmet.
society
a community of people living together
Example:Society expects citizens to act responsibly.
accountable
responsible for one's actions and their outcomes
Example:The manager is accountable for the project's success.
impossible
cannot be done or achieved
Example:It is impossible to finish the task in one hour.
block
to stop or prevent from passing or being accessed
Example:The firewall blocks malicious traffic.
strictly
in a strict or rigid manner
Example:The rules are strictly enforced.
protect
to keep safe from harm or danger
Example:Vaccines protect people from disease.
teenagers
young people aged roughly 13 to 19 years
Example:Teenagers often use social media.
harmful
causing damage or injury
Example:Smoking is harmful to health.
material
content or substance used for study or reference
Example:The teacher reviewed the study material.
report
a written statement giving information about an event or situation
Example:She submitted a report on the incident.
actions
things that are done or performed
Example:The committee reviewed the actions taken.
hearing
a court session where evidence is presented
Example:The hearing will be held on Monday.