An influential consumer rights body linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a ban on social media access for adolescents and stricter censorship for over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms. These demands emerged as key recommendations from a national seminar held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Key Demands from Ahmedabad Seminar
The event, organized by the Gujarat chapter of the Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) on January 4, 2026, focused on consumer awareness. According to the organizers, prominent suggestions included implementing a social media ban for young people and bringing digital streaming services under formal censorship rules.
Vijay Ahir, the Ahmedabad Mahanagar vice-president of ABGP, stated that proposals similar to Australia's Online Safety Act were discussed to protect children from the potential harms of social media platforms.
Nationwide Initiative Launched
The Ahmedabad session was not an isolated event. It served as the inaugural meeting for a nationwide campaign where the ABGP plans to conduct approximately 125 similar discussions across India throughout the week. The ABGP describes itself as an organization dedicated to consumer welfare and policy advocacy.
During the discussions, Jayantbhai Kathiriya, the national secretary of ABGP, strongly emphasized the long-standing demand to regulate OTT platforms. The seminar saw participation from noted citizens from various fields in the city.
Path Forward and Policy Submission
Vijay Ahir explained the next steps following the nationwide consultations. "After the culmination of all 125 sessions, a compiled set of suggestions will be put forth to the respective ministries in the state and at the Centre," he said. The aim is to present a consolidated consumer voice to policymakers.
The Ahmedabad seminar has effectively set the stage for a broader national conversation on critical societal issues affecting consumers, from digital safety to content regulation. The ABGP's initiative highlights growing concerns about the digital environment's impact on Indian youth and the content consumed by families.
