India Weighs Social Media Restrictions for Minors

The Indian government is actively exploring new regulations to restrict social media access for individuals under the age of 16. As part of a broader push for comprehensive child digital protection—spanning social media, gaming, and e-commerce—the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is currently holding high-level consultations with major platforms to discuss potential amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that age-based regulation is a growing global imperative. While India is studying the "Australian model"—which recently implemented a strict ban for under-16s—officials clarified that New Delhi is exploring a more nuanced approach rather than a total prohibition. Currently, India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act mandates verifiable parental consent before platforms can process data belonging to minors under 18, which indirectly limits ad targeting and data collection. However, the government now seeks a more direct legislative intervention to address compulsive screen time and digital safety.

The urgency stems from multiple fronts:

● Economic & Social Impact: The recent Economic Survey highlighted the rising economic and social costs of digital addiction among youth, recommending stricter age-appropriate defaults and verification for platforms.

● State-Level Momentum: States like Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are exploring localized bans or restrictions, with the Madras High Court also urging the Centre to consider comprehensive legislation.

● Deepfake Concerns: Alongside age restrictions, the government is intensifying its crackdown on deepfakes. Minister Vaishnaw noted that while current IT rules mandate takedowns within three hours and labeling of AI content, further regulatory steps are required to protect societal harmony from AI-driven harms.

The government’s primary challenge lies in the technical implementation of age verification without compromising user privacy. Discussions with social media giants are focused on how to enforce these defaults effectively while ensuring compliance with Indian cultural and security contexts. As multinational firms face increasing pressure to adapt to local realities, the upcoming amendments are expected to significantly alter the digital landscape for India’s younger demographics. With the standing parliamentary committee already providing recommendations, the Centre is moving toward a formalized framework designed to foster a safer, more regulated digital environment for the nation's children.