India's Major States Explore Social Media Restrictions for Minors
Momentum is building across India for a significant shift in digital policy, with several states actively considering bans on social media access for users under the age of 16. This movement, taking shape in one of the world's largest markets for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, draws direct inspiration from legislative actions recently implemented in Australia and under discussion in nations like the UK and Finland.
State-Level Discussions Gain Traction
Three prominent Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Goa—have now initiated formal discussions on implementing rules to curb social media use by children. Collectively, these states are home to an estimated 12 million minors, a population comparable to that of the entire United Kingdom, which is itself conducting a consultation on similar restrictive measures.
The proposals under consideration would fundamentally alter how young people interact with digital platforms. A 15-page bill proposed by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key coalition ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling BJP, seeks a nationwide ban. This legislation would prohibit anyone under 16 from "creating, maintaining, or holding" a social media account, placing the primary responsibility for age verification squarely on the platforms themselves.
Following the Australian Model
The Australian legislation, enacted in December, serves as a central reference point. It mandates that social media companies take "reasonable steps" to prevent minors from holding accounts, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance. Indian officials are closely studying this framework.
"Finland has made a decision, the UK is also considering similar measures, and Australia took a call two months ago by banning social media exposure for children," stated Karnataka's IT minister, Priyank Kharge. He emphasised that discussions are also encompassing the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence alongside social media governance.
In Goa, IT minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed that authorities are examining the Australian law, with the intent to "implement a similar ban on children below 16 for usage of social media" if feasible.
Platforms Face Mounting Pressure
The state of Andhra Pradesh, home to an estimated 4.7 million teenagers, is reportedly preparing to summon representatives from major tech firms—including Meta, X, and Google—for high-level meetings. The state's IT minister, Nara Lokesh, asserted that the "situation cannot be ignored any longer" and that discussions will focus on making digital platforms safer, particularly for women and children.
This push for regulation occurs within a vast digital landscape. India boasts approximately one billion internet users and is the world's second-largest smartphone market. User bases for platforms are colossal: estimates suggest around 500 million YouTube users, 403 million Facebook users, and 481 million Instagram users in the country. Currently, India has no statutory minimum age for accessing these applications.
National Economic Adviser Weighs In
The issue is receiving attention at the highest levels of national policy. India's chief economic adviser, Anantha Nageswaran, recently used the government's annual economic survey to advocate for screen-time limits, device-free hours, and more shared offline activities within families.
He explicitly suggested that "policies on age-based access limits may be considered, as younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content." Nageswaran further recommended that platforms be made "responsible for enforcing age verification and age-appropriate defaults."
Expert Opinion Divided on Potential Impact
The Australian precedent has been welcomed by many researchers, including psychologists and digital safety experts, who see value in protecting children from potential online harms. However, the proposed bans have also sparked concern among some academics and advocates.
Critics, such as Monash University law professor Paula Gerber, warn that such sweeping restrictions could inadvertently harm marginalised teenagers, including those from the LGBT+ community, by cutting off vital online resources for mental health support, community building, and identity development. This debate highlights the complex balance between safeguarding minors and preserving access to supportive digital spaces as India contemplates a transformative change to its digital ecosystem.
