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Karnataka, the first Indian state, has prohibited social media use for individuals under 16, marking a significant step in addressing concerns about youth internet safety. Other neighboring states are contemplating similar restrictions for minors. India’s economic advisor emphasizes the importance of implementing age-specific policies for digital access.
On Friday, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced during his annual budget speech that social media will be off-limits to children under 16, though he did not specify when the ban would be enforced.
India, with 750 million smartphones and over a billion internet users, stands as the second-largest mobile market globally, hosting the highest number of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users. Less than 25% of Karnataka’s roughly 68 million residents are under 15, according to data from a 2019-2020 survey by India’s health ministry. Bengaluru, often called India’s Silicon Valley, hosts tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Dell, and Google.
Nearby Goa is also evaluating a similar ban, and Andhra Pradesh has proposed legislation aimed at limiting children’s social media access. India’s chief economic advisor advocates for national policies to restrict digital engagement based on age, supporting wider discussions on tackling digital addiction. However, some experts and activists warn that simple age restrictions may be ineffective, as minors might bypass controls using fake IDs.
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