Tik-ing the wrong boxes: Apps to face more scrutiny

CHENNAI | BENGALURU: Social media, content and gaming apps are grappling for a way to deal with heightened regulatory scrutiny as Indian courts step in to stem the flood of socalled objectionable content on these platforms, in one of the world’s fastest-growing internet markets.

Companies such as Facebook, Google-owned YouTube as well as Chinese apps such as TikTok and Bigo Live will face even more regulatory scrutiny in future, according to people in the know.

As India debates the contours of a proposed data law and awaits clarity on amendments to intermediary guidelines for technology platforms, those concerned about the potentially harmful effects of certain content on these apps are turning to the courts for redressal