The Andhra Pradesh government is taking proactive steps to address the growing concerns over online safety, particularly for women and children, by initiating talks with major global technology companies. Officials have confirmed that representatives from Meta, X, Google, and ShareChat are being contacted to invite them for discussions on this critical issue.
Government's Proposal for a Social Media Ban
Last week, Nara Lokesh, the IT and Education Minister of Andhra Pradesh, announced that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government is considering enacting a law to ban social media usage for children under the age of 16. This proposal draws inspiration from a similar law passed in Australia last year, highlighting a global trend towards stricter digital regulations for minors.
Formation of a Group of Ministers
A Group of Ministers (GoM) has been established, headed by Minister Lokesh, to thoroughly study this proposal. The GoM includes key figures such as Home Minister Anita Vangalapudi, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, and I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi. Their primary focus is on examining cases where children under 16 have been adversely affected by social media, either as victims or through misuse.
Minister Lokesh's Concerns and Vision
During a recent GoM meeting, Minister Lokesh expressed deep concerns about the erosion of trust in social media platforms. He emphasized that children are increasingly falling into patterns of excessive and addictive usage, which negatively impacts their education and attention spans. Additionally, women continue to face persistent online abuse and harassment, creating an urgent need for intervention.
"This situation cannot be ignored any longer," Lokesh stated, underscoring the government's commitment to creating a safer digital environment. He clarified that the objective is not to impose restrictive regulations but to foster a more responsible and secure online ecosystem.
Comprehensive Study and Global Best Practices
As part of the roadmap outlined by the GoM, the Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a comprehensive study of existing legal frameworks. This study will specifically focus on age-appropriate access to social media platforms and include a detailed, country-wise analysis of global best practices adopted in various jurisdictions.
Collaborative Engagement with Tech Companies
In a significant move towards collaborative regulation, the government plans to invite representatives from leading social media and technology companies to participate in the upcoming GoM meeting. This engagement aims to address key areas such as platform accountability, safeguards for minors, mechanisms to curb online abuse, and evolving international norms in digital governance.
The involvement of companies like Meta, X, Google, and ShareChat is seen as a crucial step in developing effective solutions that balance innovation with safety. Officials hope that these discussions will lead to practical measures to protect children from harmful and addictive content while ensuring dignity and safety for women online.
Learning from International Examples
The Andhra Pradesh government is closely examining the Australian model, known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which took effect in December last year. This law requires age-restricted platforms to take reasonable steps to identify and deactivate accounts held by under-16s, prevent new account creation, and implement processes to correct errors in enforcement.
Other states in India, such as Goa, have also expressed interest in similar measures, indicating a broader national conversation on digital safety for minors. The Andhra Pradesh initiative could set a precedent for other regions to follow, promoting a unified approach to online protection.
Future Steps and Public Trust
The GoM's efforts are geared towards restoring public trust in social media platforms by implementing robust safeguards. The government reiterates that its focus is on creating a balanced framework that protects vulnerable groups without stifling digital innovation. As these talks progress, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcomes, which could shape future policies on internet governance in India and beyond.
