Delhi High Court Demands Social Media Transparency on Law Enforcement Requests

The Delhi High Court has requested social media platforms to provide their standard protocols and timelines for handling law enforcement information requests. The move aims to prevent delays in tracing missing persons. The court's directive came while addressing a habeas corpus petition regarding a 19-year-old missing since January.

The Delhi High Court has mandated social media platforms to disclose their standard operating procedures and timelines for processing information requests from law enforcement agencies.

Headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh, the bench emphasized the need for timely responses to aid in the prompt tracing of missing persons, including children. The court highlighted delays in information provision in various habeas corpus petitions and issued notices to several social media companies such as Google, Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter).

The directive came during a habeas corpus petition filed by the parents of a 19-year-old missing since January. The court stressed the importance of sticking to proper timelines to prevent hindrance in tracing missing individuals. Counsel for Delhi Police was also tasked with consulting police officials to note any challenges and required training.

(With inputs from agencies.)