In a world shrunk by technology, Australia has taken a radical step to protect its youngest citizens. The nation has become the first in the world to legally prohibit users aged below 16 from holding accounts on certain social media platforms. This landmark move, enacted through the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act effective December 10, 2024, has ignited a crucial debate: Should India consider similar reforms?
Australia's Pioneering Move and the Global Ripple Effect
The Australian legislation amended its 2021 Online Safety Act, introducing a minimum age requirement for social media access. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed it as a measure driven by parents, aimed at giving "Australian children a childhood" and providing "greater peace of mind" for families. The ban targets a demographic of roughly 1.5 million minors in a country of 27.5 million.
While a Monash University survey showed 79% adult approval, the target group itself was largely opposed, with an ABC News poll finding 70% of young respondents against it. The move has seen mixed reactions from tech giants and rights groups. While X (formerly Twitter) complied, stating it was bound by Australian law, Reddit has filed a legal challenge, calling the law "ineffective."
Unicef cautioned that age restrictions must be part of a broader strategy, respecting children's rights and not pushing them into less safe online spaces. Australia's decision is not isolated. New Zealand has drafted a similar bill, and the UK, Denmark, Spain, and others are considering age-based limits. In a stark warning, a similar ban in Nepal triggered Gen Z-led protests that contributed to the government's collapse.
The Indian Context: A Colossal Challenge
The feasibility of an Australia-like model in India faces monumental hurdles, primarily due to scale. The number of Indian children in the corresponding age group far exceeds Australia's entire population. India's digital landscape is vast and deeply integrated, with over 806 million internet users and approximately 491 million social media identities at the start of 2025.
Senior journalist Dr. Alok Kumar, in conversation with The Times of India, argued that such a ban is not feasible for India. He suggested it could lead to mass unrest and undo digital advancements like digital wallet payments. "If the government wanted, it would have already banned social media," he stated, pointing out that social media often diverts public attention from daily issues.
India's current framework relies on the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, which classify platforms as "intermediaries" and impose due-diligence obligations. Past actions, like the 2020 ban on TikTok and others on national security grounds, show the government's willingness to act, but a blanket age-based ban is a different proposition.
Potential Grounds and Formidable Hurdles
Possible grounds for regulation in India include the proliferation of child abuse material online and the risks associated with platforms like Instagram Reels. India is Instagram's largest market, with over 480 million users, and the Reels craze has seen influencers performing dangerous stunts for virality, raising public safety concerns.
However, the challenges to a ban are immense:
- Population Size: Enforcement across India's 1.4 billion people is a logistical nightmare.
- Legal and Constitutional Challenges: Any ban would likely be challenged in court.
- Youth Pushback: Large-scale protests, as seen in Nepal, are a real possibility.
- Economic Impact: Social media is a source of livelihood, education, and entrepreneurship for millions.
- VPN Circumvention: Tech-savvy users can easily bypass blocks using Virtual Private Networks.
The Way Forward: Regulation Over Prohibition?
Experts like Dr. Alok Kumar advocate for a middle path. "A ban is never a solution. It's better to monitor platforms," he said. He recommends that harmful content should be flagged to operators for removal and that citizens should be educated on positive social media use.
The consensus among many analysts is that a holistic approach—combining robust platform design, effective content moderation, digital literacy programs, and parental guidance—is more sustainable than an outright ban. As India navigates this complex issue, the global experiment in Australia will be closely watched, offering lessons on balancing online safety with the rights and realities of a digitally native generation.
