Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem.

Bait ads that lead users to encrypted chat groups are a live case of social media and encrypted messaging being used to spread abuse material beyond regulators' reach.

• Analysts say many CSEAM ads carry no illegal image but act as bait, linking to encrypted chat groups where the material is shared, slipping past image-based filters.
• Existing measures: Section 67B of the IT Act, 2000 punishes such material (up to five years on first conviction); the IT Rules, 2021 require large platforms to use automated detection tools.
• Section 79 safe harbour depends on due diligence; MeitY issued a notice asking Meta to disable such content and explain gaps in its algorithmic safeguards.

Use it to illustrate the main legal lever over social media platforms, intermediary safe harbour, and how courts are using it to push platform-level safeguards.

• Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000 shields platforms from liability for user content only if they observe due diligence, which rules under Section 87 can define.
• On 28 September 2026 the Chief Justice warned that, if the government did not act, the Court would issue directions against intermediaries under Section 79 to enforce an 18-year minimum age.
• Enforcement limits to note: children can lie about age or use a parent's account, and global platforms and VPNs weaken enforcement.