VIJAYAWADA: Supreme Court of India Justice JK Maheshwari emphasised on Saturday the need for a ‘right to explanation’ that would enable citizens to understand why certain content is pushed onto them on social media.
He further opined that legislatures must consider introducing such a mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in the digital age.
Justice Maheshwari attended as the chief guest at a seminar organized jointly by CR Media Academy and Swetchha - The Freedom Foundation in Vijayawada.
The seminar focused on the growing challenges posed by the misuse of social media and the need for stronger awareness, accountability and responsible digital behaviour among users.
Addressing the gathering, Maheswari urged the youngsters and citizens to be prepared to confront the misuse and emerging challenges of social media. He noted that rather than focusing solely on controlling users, greater responsibility must be placed on individuals and institutions that create and distribute content.
He said, is not the task of judges or lawmakers alone but shared civic responsibility.
Justice Maheshwari pointed out that existing laws such as the Information Technology Act 2000 come into effect after harm has occurred-such as riots being triggered or reputations being damaged.
“There is a huge need for a more proactive and technologically capable regulatory mechanism,” he stressed.
Referring to incidents of mob violence triggered by misinformation, he recalled the SC’s directions in Tehseen Poonawalla versus Union of India, which required governments to take immediate measures against mob lynching fueled by rumours.
He said when private social media platforms regulate speech through opaque guidelines, a fundamental question arises-whether such control amounts to legitimate moderation or censorship.
He added that algorithms decide what billions of people see, believe and feel, often prioritising virality over truth, which is a matter of serious concern.
Justice Maheshwari reminded that the framers of the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a), expecting every generation to safeguard it as technology evolves.
“Regulation should not suppress freedom, but freedom must also not be misused to destroy constitutional order,” he said.
CR Media Academy Chairman Alapati Suresh Kumar said social media has empowered individuals in information dissemination but requires safeguards against misuse.
“Social media has become an integral part of everyone’s daily life and should be used responsibly. The commission is taking active steps to address such abuse,” she said. Inspector General of Police Ake Ravi Krishna, head of Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) called for stronger laws to ensure that social media platforms promote societal welfare without undermining freedom of expression.
High Court advocate Raviteja Padiri, chief of Swetchha – The Freedom Foundation, organised the seminar and said the organisation regularly holds such discussions to promote awareness.