The Indian state of Karnataka, known for Bengaluru’s tech hub, has unveiled plans to ban social media for children under 16. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision during the state’s budget speech, citing concerns over the adverse effects of mobile phone and social media usage on children. The move, though lacking specifics on enforcement, aligns with similar actions taken in countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Following Australia’s lead, several other countries are also considering bans on social media for teenagers. This trend has sparked discussions in various Indian states, with Goa and Andhra Pradesh exploring comparable restrictions. The Madras High Court and India’s chief economic adviser have advocated for age-based limits on social media access, highlighting growing scrutiny over online platforms’ impact on young and vulnerable users.
While Meta expressed support for measures enhancing parental control over teen app usage, it emphasized the need for targeted solutions over broad restrictions. The proposal reflects ongoing debates on balancing online safety with digital freedom, raising questions about the effectiveness and implications of such bans on social media.
Source: TechCrunch