India is exploring restrictions on social media for children under 16, following Australia’s recent move. The proposal comes from lawmaker L.S.K. Devarayalu, an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The proposed Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill aims to limit social media use among minors to address digital addiction and online safety concerns. “Not only are our children becoming addicted to social media, but India is also one of the world’s largest producers of data for foreign platforms,” Devarayalu said.
The bill states that no individual under 16 should create or maintain a social media account. Penalties would apply for violations, and platforms would be responsible for verifying users’ ages. Devarayalu emphasized that companies currently benefit from Indian users’ data, which contributes to global AI systems, while the advantages remain overseas.
India’s online population is massive, with one billion internet users and 750 million smartphone users. Social media platforms in the country generally have no minimum age restrictions, making this legislation significant for children’s online safety.
Australia and France have already introduced similar rules, while Britain, Denmark, and Greece are debating age restrictions for social media use. Experts and parents have largely welcomed these moves, citing the mental health and safety risks posed by prolonged social media use among minors.
Devarayalu’s 15-page bill details strict measures for compliance, placing the onus on social media companies to ensure age verification. “We are asking that the entire responsibility of verifying users’ ages be placed on the platforms themselves,” he said.
The bill is part of a growing international effort to regulate social media for children. If passed, India would join a small but growing number of countries imposing minimum age limits to protect minors from digital addiction and data exploitation
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Social media platforms operating in India may need to adjust policies and technologies to comply with the proposed law. The government is yet to announce a timeline for the bill’s introduction and potential enactment.
