The Delhi High Court has ordered major social media platforms, including Meta and Google, to submit details of their standard operating procedures (SOPs) for responding to requests from law enforcement agencies. The court scheduled the next hearing for October 8.
A bench of Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Amit Sharma highlighted the delays between the police seeking information and the platforms’ responses, particularly in cases involving missing persons, including minors.
Court Stresses Timely Response
The court emphasized the need for strict timelines to prevent delays in locating missing individuals. Social media platforms must follow proper timelines, and law enforcement officers should understand how to submit and monitor requests. The bench noted that gaps in communication can slow down critical investigations.
To address these concerns, the court directed platforms such as Google, Meta, WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Reddit to provide their SOPs, including timelines for responding to requests from law enforcement agencies.
Delhi Police to Provide Feedback
The court also asked the Delhi Police to conduct a meeting and prepare a report on any challenges they face while requesting information from online platforms. This report should also identify if further training is needed for police officers.
The court raised these issues while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the parents of a missing boy. The Delhi Police had sought information from Meta about the boy’s Instagram account, but Meta had not provided the requested details.
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