India may introduce social media age limits for children under 16. Govt holds talks with platforms as Australia’s ban sparks global debate.
India may introduce social media age limits for children under 16 [Photo: X]
India has joined a growing global debate on whether children should have unrestricted access to social media. After several countries introduced age-based restrictions to protect minors online, the Indian government has started examining whether similar safeguards are needed here.
Officials are discussing possible changes to digital laws and consulting social media companies about stricter age verification systems. While no final decision has been announced, the conversation signals that child safety online has become a serious policy priority.
At present, India does not have a law that completely bans children from using social media platforms. However, the government is reportedly considering restrictions for users under 16 years of age. Officials are studying international models, particularly the approach adopted by Australia, which introduced a full ban on social media accounts for children under 16.
Sources indicate that India may not opt for a blanket ban like Australia. Instead, policymakers are exploring targeted restrictions — possibly limiting access to certain features or requiring stronger age verification mechanisms. The focus remains on balancing child protection with digital access.
The government has made it clear that protecting children from online harm is a growing concern. Under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent before processing the personal data of users under 18. This law already places some responsibility on companies to safeguard minors’ data.
Officials are now considering whether amendments to the Information Technology Rules may further strengthen age-based regulations. The idea is to ensure that children do not get exposed to harmful content, addictive features, or targeted advertising without proper safeguards. Authorities are also examining how platforms can implement age-appropriate defaults and stricter compliance systems.
Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the government is holding discussions with social media platforms on age-based restrictions and digital safety concerns.
“This is something that has been accepted by many countries — that age-based regulation has to be there. It was part of our DPDP (Digital Personal Data Protection ) Act. Right now, we are in conversation regarding deepfakes and age-based restrictions with various social media platforms,” he said.
He also added, “It’s a problem that is growing day by day, and certainly there is a need for protecting our children and society from these harms. We have initiated a dialogue with the industry already on what kind of regulation will be needed beyond the steps that we have already taken.”
His remarks suggest that the government prefers consultation and regulatory tightening over sudden prohibitions.
The debate is not limited to the Centre. Some state governments are also exploring measures to curb excessive social media use among teenagers. Policymakers at the state level are studying global examples and discussing ways to reduce screen addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Although states cannot independently impose nationwide digital bans, they can recommend frameworks or push for stronger implementation of central laws. Their growing interest highlights rising concerns among parents and educators about children’s mental health and online safety.
India’s discussions come after several nations moved to restrict social media access for minors. Australia became the first country to introduce a legal ban on social media accounts for children under 16. Soon after, France passed a bill seeking to ban social media use for minors under 15.
Other countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are also considering similar steps. Governments argue that compulsive screen use, exposure to harmful content, and data exploitation are causing social and economic costs. Many policymakers believe age verification and stricter digital controls can reduce online risks for children.
India is still in the consultation stage, and no official notification has been issued regarding a ban. However, discussions indicate that age-based digital regulation could soon become stricter. The government may focus on better enforcement of parental consent rules, stronger age verification, and safer platform design rather than a total shutdown of access.
If implemented, any new rule would likely amend existing IT regulations rather than introduce an entirely new law. For now, the government appears committed to protecting children while ensuring that digital growth continues responsibly.
