TDP Calls for National Policy to Regulate Social Media Use Among Children
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has formally requested the central government to establish a comprehensive national policy aimed at regulating social media usage among children. This significant move was initiated on Tuesday by the party's Lok Sabha floor leader and Narasaraopet MP, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu.
Formal Submission to Union Minister
In a detailed letter addressed to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnav, MP Devarayalu advocated for the implementation of stringent, age-based regulations specifically targeting users below the age of 16. Accompanying this request, he introduced a Private Member's Bill titled the Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill
The proposed legislation outlines several critical measures designed to enhance online safety for minors:
- Minimum Age Limit: Establishing a clear age barrier for accessing social media platforms.
- Mandatory Age Verification: Requiring robust verification processes to prevent underage access.
- Data Privacy: Mandating the deletion of all personal data collected during the age verification process to protect privacy.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Including provisions for effective implementation and penalties for non-compliance.
Rising Concerns and Supporting Data
In his communication, the MP highlighted alarming data regarding social media penetration among young demographics. He pointed out that a substantial proportion of children aged 14 to 16 now have access to smartphones and are active participants on various social media platforms. Citing numerous studies, Devarayalu emphasized the high incidence of exposure to online bullying and age-inappropriate content, which poses significant risks to the mental and emotional well-being of minors.
Reference to Recent Incidents and Global Trends
The urgency for such regulation was further underscored by references to recent, troubling incidents in cities like Ghaziabad and Lucknow, which have brought issues of digital addiction and online safety for minors into sharp public focus. Devarayalu also noted that India is not alone in grappling with this challenge. He referenced international efforts, stating that Australia has already announced a ban on social media access for children under 16, while nations including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are actively considering similar legislative measures.
State-Level Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh
The push for a national framework is complemented by proactive steps at the state level. Under the leadership of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh is heading a committee of ministers dedicated to formulating a state-specific policy on this issue. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has publicly announced that the state will introduce a concrete action plan aimed at regulating social media use for children below 16 years of age.
Call for Expert Committee and National Action
Concluding his appeal, MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu urged Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to constitute an expert committee. This committee would be tasked with conducting an in-depth study on age-based social media regulation and subsequently recommending a cohesive and effective national policy to safeguard the digital well-being of India's youth.
