The Indian government is actively discussing potential age restrictions on social media usage for minors. The Ministry of Information Technology has conducted several meetings with social media platforms and stakeholders to assess the viability of such measures.
Concerns have arisen regarding children's exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, cyberbullying, fraud, and addiction linked to social media use, as reported by ET.
This initiative follows Australia’s lead, which implemented a ban on social media for users under 16. Other countries are considering similar actions, and states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India have expressed intentions to limit social media access for teenagers.
The Centre is deliberating between an outright ban and a tiered approach that offers age-appropriate content. The specific age limits are still under discussion, as different states have proposed varying age thresholds for restrictions.
Officials are examining Australia's model, which prohibits social media access for individuals under 16, affecting platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. There is also an effort to reach a consensus on this issue across political parties.
Pressure is mounting within Parliament, highlighted by a recent meeting of 15 MPs, initiated by TDP MP Lavu Srikrishna Devarayulu, to address the issue. Devarayulu noted the potential for educational tools to emerge from such regulations, despite concerns from social media companies about creating a digital divide.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recognized serious violations by various digital platforms accessed by children and has called on multiple ministries to investigate and report back within two weeks.
The Economic Survey preceding the Union Budget also indicated that excessive digital device usage has become a significant addiction issue. It recommended that platforms enforce age verification and implement age-appropriate defaults for social media, gambling apps, and targeted advertising.
Recent legal challenges faced by Meta and Alphabet in the US highlight the growing scrutiny over the impact of social media on mental health.
While age-based restrictions could hinder the growth of these platforms, they may also lead to increased compliance costs. Some states are moving forward with local legislation as the Centre develops a national policy. Karnataka is proposing a ban on social media for those under 16, while Andhra Pradesh aims to enforce a ban for under-13s by June. Maharashtra and Goa are considering similar measures.
