Indian Court Orders Google to Censor Adult Content in Searches

Indian Court Orders Google to Censor Adult Content in Searches

CHENNAI, India — A local court in India has ordered government officials and the Google subsidiary in the country to prevent the appearance of porn site suggestions in search results.

The Madras High Court issued the notice as part of a public interest litigation (PIL), the Daily Thanthi reported.

The PIL petitioner, Chennai-based lawyer S. Gnaneswaran, claimed that whenever “a genuine-internet user types anything in Google’s search engine, it suggests some sites related to pornography or other obscene content,” and that this can lead to users accidentally “opening the illegal sites without knowing the contents, and having to face embarrassment.”

Gnaneswaran also alleged that curious minors may open those sites, leading to a negative impact on society.

The local advocate asked the court to direct the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to act to prevent such porn sites suggestions from showing up in Google search results.

The judges in the case, issued a notice to the ministry and to the local Google subsidiary, giving them two weeks to submit a reply.

As XBIZ reported, India’s Hindu nationalist government, led by Narendra Modhi, has been conducting a “war on porn” along the same lines as religious conservatives in the U.S.

Indian law offers no legal protection for adult content, and the Modhi government has repeatedly geoblocked platforms and sites in the country, claiming they promote “obscenity and vulgarity under the guise of ‘creative expression.’”

The Modhi government also enforces laws against the crime of “depicting nudity and sexual acts.”

Although many of India’s multiple cultures, including Hinduism, have openly depicted nudity and sexual acts for millennia, conservative ideologues in the country support extreme censorship laws against sexual expression. These attitudes originated in the 19th century with imported Victorian notions under the British Empire, which shamed Indians for their openness about sex.

Recent government and media reports in India have conflated both explicit and simulated sex under the crime of “obscenity.”

Main Image: Madras Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More