Indian Politician Proposes Social Media Ban for Teenagers Amid Global Debate

World

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ally proposes a ban on social media for Indian teens amid global debate

Australia last month became the first country to ban social media use by children under 16, prompting a global conversation about the impact of social media on young people’s health and safety. India is now considering similar measures.

An ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a bill that would restrict access to social media for children in India. “Not only are our children becoming addicted to social media, but India also leads in data production for foreign platforms,” lawmaker L.S.K. Devarayalu told Reuters on Friday.

“Based on this data, these companies are developing advanced AI systems, essentially turning Indian users into unpaid providers of information, while reaping strategic and economic benefits elsewhere,” he said.

Australia’s ban on social media use for children under 16 has garnered both praise from many parents and child advocates as well as criticism from tech giants. France’s National Assembly recently backed a bill to prohibit children under 15 from using social media, with Britain, Denmark, and Greece considering similar measures.

Meta (META.O) and YouTube-parent Alphabet (GOOGL.O) did not respond to emails seeking comment on the Indian legislation. Meta supports parental oversight but warns against bans that might push teens toward unregulated alternatives.

India is a significant market for tech giants, with 750 million smartphone users and one billion internet users. The government’s IT ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Devarayalu’s Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill, which is not public but seen by Reuters, proposes no one under the age of 16 be allowed to create, maintain or hold a social media account. Those found with underage accounts would have them disabled.

“We are asking that all responsibility for ensuring users’ ages be placed on social media platforms,” Devarayalu said.

The government’s chief economic adviser also raised concerns about digital addiction, suggesting India should draft policies on age-based access limits to tackle the issue. Devarayalu is from the Telugu Desam Party, which governs Andhra Pradesh and is crucial to Modi’s coalition government.