If Andhra Pradesh information technology minister Nara Lokesh has his way, the state government is likely to ban social media usage by children below the age of 16, citing concerns over child safety and exposure to harmful online content.
According to a report published by Bloomberg, Lokesh said the government is closely studying the legal framework implemented by Australia, where access to social media platforms has reportedly been restricted for minors under 16.
The report said the state government officials are analysing how the Australian law operates in practice and whether a similar model can be adapted to suit the Indian legal and administrative framework at the state level.
Lokesh reportedly emphasised the need for a strong and well-defined legal mechanism if such restrictions are to be enforced.
He expressed the view that children below a certain age lack the maturity to fully comprehend the content they encounter on social media, making their protection an urgent priority.
He reiterated his firm belief that young children should not be allowed unrestricted access to social media platforms.
At present, India relies largely on parental controls and platform-level safeguards to regulate minors’ online activity.
The Central government has not yet articulated a clear position on imposing blanket restrictions on social media access for minors.
While several petitions seeking stricter regulation of social media platforms and harmful online content are pending before courts, experts point out that implementing such restrictions at the state level poses significant legal and technological challenges.
The Bloomberg report said the Madras high court has also echoed similar concerns in the past, observing that the issue requires careful consideration.
The court has previously urged the Centre to examine the feasibility of enacting legislation on the lines of Australia’s law to curb internet usage by children below 16 years of age.