India Debates Social Media Ban for Minors Amid Global Trend

In recent days, European countries have successively imposed bans on the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Amidst this, a fierce debate is taking place in political and policy circles in India regarding a ban on social media use for children under 16.

Indian states are studying the feasibility of similar laws, based on the strict age-based restrictions recently implemented by Australia. The debate gained further momentum last week after India's annual Economic Survey recommended that the central government consider an age-based limit for children.

However, the survey's suggestions are not binding. Experts have warned that implementing a complete ban would be difficult in a large and diverse digital landscape like India and could face legal challenges.

Just some time ago, Australia became the first country to ban most social media for children under 16.

France's lower house has also passed a similar ban for those under 15. This proposal is currently under consideration in the Senate. The UK is also discussing similar steps.

In India, LSK Devaryalu, a legislator from the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, has introduced a private bill to prevent children under 16 from using social media.

Although this is not a government bill and is less likely to pass, it is expected to influence the debate in the parliament. The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a committee of ministers to study international regulation models and has called X, Google, and ShareChat for discussions.

The state's IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, stated that children are getting caught up in excessive use and committed to creating a safe digital environment.

Goa and Karnataka are also studying similar measures. Karnataka is running a digital detox program for over 400,000 students and teachers in collaboration with Meta.