India, Aug. 2 -- Calls to ban social media surface after every major riot, election controversy or online disinformation campaign. Yet banning platforms that have become integral to communication, commerce and civic participation is neither practical nor desirable. The real challenge lies in setting clear boundaries-holding technology companies accountable, protecting free speech while curbing harmful content, and ensuring digital platforms strengthen democracy rather than undermine it.

The debate is no longer about whether limits are necessary, but what those limits should be.

The protests of the past six weeks began with a quote that was never said the way it was reported. What followed - a political party, a minister's resignation an...