Andhra Pradesh Explores Australia-Inspired Social Media Ban for Minors Under 16
In a significant move aimed at protecting young users, the Andhra Pradesh government is actively considering implementing a social media ban for children under the age of 16, mirroring recent legislation in Australia. This proposal has gained momentum following remarks made by state IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh during the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Switzerland.
Ministerial Panel Established to Study the Proposal
The state administration has taken concrete steps by forming a high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) to thoroughly examine this initiative. This panel is chaired by Minister Nara Lokesh himself and includes key figures such as Home Minister Anita Vangalapudi, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, and Information & Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi.
The primary mandate of this ministerial committee is to collect and analyze data from various cases across Andhra Pradesh where children under 16 have been either victims of social media abuse or perpetrators. This evidence-based approach aims to build a strong foundation for the proposed regulatory framework.
Rationale Behind the Proposed Social Media Restrictions
Minister Lokesh articulated the government's perspective clearly during his Davos interview, stating that young individuals below a certain age often lack the maturity to fully comprehend the content they encounter on social platforms. "Youngsters below a certain age should not be on such platforms, as they do not fully understand the content they are exposed to," he emphasized.
The inspiration for this proposal reportedly emerged during Lokesh's official visit to Australia in October last year, where he observed their digital safety measures firsthand. TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy highlighted that the government's intention extends beyond mere restriction, aiming to shield children from the negative influences of social media during their formative years.
Legal and Implementation Challenges Ahead
Implementing such a ban presents considerable complexities, particularly regarding legal jurisdiction and constitutional rights. Since information technology regulation primarily falls under central government purview through the IT Act, Andhra Pradesh would need to secure approval from the Centre.
However, senior TDP leaders express confidence that obtaining this approval will be feasible given the party's alliance with the BJP at the national level. The process would involve finalizing the proposal's structure at the state level before approaching central authorities.
Legal experts point to significant constitutional considerations, as Indian courts have previously recognized internet access as part of fundamental rights to free speech and education. Any restriction would need to satisfy principles of proportionality and minimal invasion of rights while not unduly hindering digital literacy development.
Comparative Analysis: Indian and Australian Frameworks
Currently, India lacks specific legislation regulating children's social media usage, though the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 does impose certain obligations on technology companies regarding minors:
- Requiring verifiable parental consent before processing children's personal data
- Prohibiting data processing that could harm children's well-being
- Restricting tracking, behavioral monitoring, and targeted advertising directed at children
In contrast, Australia's "Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act" mandates that platforms take reasonable steps to:
- Identify and deactivate existing accounts held by under-16 users
- Prevent creation of new accounts by minors
- Block potential workarounds that might bypass age restrictions
- Establish error correction processes for mistaken restrictions
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This initiative represents the TDP's continued focus on digital safety for minors. Last November, party MP Lavu Srikrishnadevarayalu attempted to introduce the Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill, 2025 in Parliament, though it never reached discussion stage. Sources indicate plans to reintroduce this legislation during the upcoming Budget Session.
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to convene a detailed meeting upon Minister Lokesh's return from Davos to chart a practical roadmap for implementing this proposal. This makes Andhra Pradesh the first Indian state to formally consider such comprehensive social media restrictions for minors, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.
As the ministerial panel begins its work, stakeholders will be closely watching how the state balances child protection concerns with digital rights and educational needs in an increasingly connected world.
