Several Indian states are considering following Australia’s lead in imposing restrictions on social media access for children under 16, potentially setting a precedent for global technology companies operating in the region. The proposal, initially put forth by Goa’s IT minister Rohan Khaunte, has gained traction in states like Andhra Pradesh, where officials are studying the feasibility of implementing similar bans.
Andhra Pradesh’s IT and education minister, Nara Lokesh, highlighted the need for robust legislation to safeguard minors online during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. A dedicated ministerial group has been formed to assess the practicality and legality of restricting minors’ social media usage.
These developments have not only captured the attention of state governments but have also prompted judicial intervention, with the Madras High Court urging the central government to consider comparable measures for online child protection.
Should India proceed with restrictions on children’s social media access, it could significantly impact tech giants eyeing the country’s vast user base. With over a billion internet users, a substantial portion being young individuals, India plays a crucial role in the growth strategies of many technology firms.
Source: TechCrunch