As technology continues to invade our world, we are unknowingly putting our kids at great risk. From time to time, many parents and experts have raised their voices against the dangerous effects of technology – be it the addictive gaming apps like PUBG or social media.
And now, a worried mom has filed public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay high court (HC) seeking a ban on a popular mobile video-sharing app, TikTok.
As per the sources, Heena Darvesh, the mom of three kids, aged 11, 10 and five is worried as her kids who are “addicted” to TikTok may try the stunts they watch on the app.
As per sources, the petitioner has claimed that the TikTok app is affecting young people, especially children. It is causing addiction issues leading to degraded mental health.
The petition also stated that two First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in Mumbai following controversial video/audio that allegedly sparked religious enmity. No action against the company running the application has been taken yet, states the petitioner.
The petition also stresses that the mobile application is “tarnishing the reputation of the country and maligning the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”. There is no mechanism to monitor the uploaded videos or take action against the Chinese company. The PIL may come up for hearing on Tuesday.
Additionally, the plea has also sought direction to the government to provide records of deaths owing to accidents induced by the app.
The mother told HT that she has filed the PIL on behalf of all mothers whose children were addicted to TikTok and share similar concerns.
But, this isn’t the first time that people have requested the court to ban the app. Earlier this year, the Madras High Court has banned the app, which was later revoked. The ban was lifted on April 24.
The order was passed after the court expressed the concern that the app hosts inappropriate content, including pornography, which is available for access to children. The Bench had also expressed its concerns that minors are also exposed to strangers online through TikTok.
But later TikTok challenged the order in the Supreme Court and claimed that the Madras High Court’s interim order was based on exaggerations made by the petitioner. However, the Supreme Court not only decided to defer consideration of the matter but also directed the Madras High Court to take a call.
Later, on April 24 this year, the Bench of the Madras High Court lifted its ban.
As the Bombay High Court will hear this PIL in due course, we are excited to hear what measures the High Court would suggest so that the app could be made safer for kids and the country. With increasing advancement in technology, it is more important than ever to make technology safer for our kids.
