Bengaluru, March 6: To safeguard children, the Karnataka government has prohibited the use of social media by individuals under 16 years of age. The announcement marks the first time an Indian state has moved to formally restrict digital platform access based on age, following a growing international trend of increased scrutiny over minors’ online activities.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated during his Friday budget presentation that the measure is intended to address the growing concerns surrounding social media addiction. He affirmed that the state government is committed to preventing the psychological and social harm associated with excessive screen time. The move comes as India continues to dominate the global smartphone market with over a billion internet users.
The state of Karnataka, particularly its capital Bengaluru, is a central pillar of the global technology sector. Officials declared that the new policy aligns with broader discussions currently taking place in countries like Britain, Denmark, and Greece. Within India, the Chief Economic Adviser has previously asserted that New Delhi should consider national policies to limit age-based access to digital platforms.
The impact on major social media corporations could be substantial, as India remains a primary growth driver for platforms owned by Meta. Despite the government’s stance, certain advocacy groups have noted that a ban may not be a foolproof solution. These experts maintained that children frequently find ways to circumvent digital barriers using fake credentials.
Instead of a blanket ban, some activists asserted that the government should prioritize education on safe internet usage. They stated that without robust verification methods, the ban might struggle to achieve its intended goals. The state government has yet to release the formal framework for how the restrictions will be monitored or enforced across various platforms.
