Archive · 19 Jul 2026
India Considers Social Media Curb for Kids
The Indian government is talking to different groups about how to make social media safer for kids.
They are looking at what other countries like Australia and some European nations are doing.
Australia has a law that stops children under 16 from using social media, and India is thinking about doing something similar.
The government wants to protect kids from things like cyberbullying and too much time online.
They are still discussing and have not made a final decision yet.
Tech companies and free speech groups might not agree with these ideas, but the government thinks it's important to keep kids safe online.
India is studying global developments on social media curbs for children.
Prime Minister Modi praised Australia's ban on social media for under-16s.
Consultations are ongoing with various stakeholders, including tech companies and parliamentary committees.
Australia requires age-verification measures and penalizes platforms for breaches.
The issue is part of broader efforts to strengthen digital safety for children.
- Who
- Indian Government, stakeholders, tech companies
- What
- Consultations on social media curbs for children
- When
- Ongoing, no specific timeline
- Where
- India
- Why
- To protect children from cyberbullying and online addiction
Government and Child Safety Advocates
Tech Companies and Free Speech Advocates
Age Restrictions
Government and Child Safety Advocates
Support age restrictions to protect children from cyberbullying and online addiction.
Tech Companies and Free Speech Advocates
Oppose age restrictions, citing potential infringement on free speech and digital access.
Parental Control
Government and Child Safety Advocates
Advocate for stricter parental consent and age-verification mechanisms.
Tech Companies and Free Speech Advocates
Argue that parental control should be the primary responsibility of parents, not governments.
- Countries Studied
- Australia, European Nations
- Key Stakeholders
- Government, Parliamentary Committees, Tech Companies
- Current Status
- Consultations ongoing, no final decision
- Australian Law
- Bans social media for under-16s, penalizes platforms for breaches
- Global Concern
- Risks of social media for children are a global issue