New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre's response on a petition seeking restrictions on social media use by minors, observing that "firewalls" are necessary to safeguard the rights of children.

Issuing notice on a petition filed by a non-profit child rights body, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said, "There is need for some safeguards in India. Some firewall is necessary for protecting our children."

The court made the observation while hearing a petition filed by Just Rights for Children Alliance which pointed out that social media intermediaries and digital platforms allow persons above 13 years to open accounts. It argued that minors are incapable of entering into any contract...