Andhra Pradesh Weighs Australia-Style Social Media Restrictions for Children Below 16
Andhra Pradesh is exploring the possibility of introducing age-based restrictions on social media use, similar to Australia’s proposed ban for children under 16 years, according to State Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources, Nara Lokesh.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lokesh said the state government is closely studying Australia’s legal framework on limiting social media access for minors. He emphasised the need for a strong and well-defined legal mechanism to protect young users from potential online harm.
“As a state, we are examining Australia’s under-16 law. I strongly believe children below a certain age should not be on social media because they often do not fully understand the nature and impact of the content they consume,” Lokesh said.
Growing Concerns Over Online Safety for Minors
India currently allows minors to access social media platforms under parental supervision and consent, but there is no nationwide restriction that bars children below a specific age. While the central government has not taken a formal stance on imposing blanket age-based bans, concerns around online safety, mental health, misinformation, and exposure to harmful content have been increasing.
Several petitions have also been filed in Indian courts seeking stricter regulation of digital platforms and better safeguards for children. However, experts caution that enforcing a complete ban at the state level could be challenging.
Cybersecurity and public policy expert Karnika Seth pointed out that technological loopholes could undermine enforcement. “The internet operates on global infrastructure, and there are multiple ways to bypass IP-based restrictions. Any total ban must be evaluated for both feasibility and enforceability,” she noted.
Global Push to Regulate Big Tech
The debate over children’s access to social media is not limited to India. Governments in countries such as Indonesia, Denmark, Brazil, and Australia are increasingly considering tighter regulations on digital platforms, particularly as young users form a significant portion of social media audiences.
In recent years, India has also updated its legal framework to keep pace with the evolving digital ecosystem. New laws and amendments related to data protection, cybersecurity, and online accountability aim to balance innovation with user safety.
Andhra Pradesh’s Tech-Driven Vision
Andhra Pradesh has positioned itself as a key player in India’s technology and industrial growth. Under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the state has focused on attracting global investments and strengthening its digital infrastructure. Recently, the state signed a $15 billion agreement with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to establish a major data centre project.
Lokesh highlighted the government’s long-term economic vision, stating that Andhra Pradesh aims to become a $2.4 trillion economy by 2047. “Our focus is on execution, not just announcements. We are working to integrate capital, talent, and supply chains to drive sustainable growth,” he said.
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
As discussions around social media regulation gain momentum, Andhra Pradesh’s move signals a broader conversation on balancing technological advancement with social responsibility. Whether the state proceeds with Australia-like restrictions will depend on legal clarity, technological feasibility, and broader policy alignment.
For now, the proposal reflects growing awareness among policymakers about the impact of digital platforms on children and the need for proactive measures in an increasingly connected world.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
