India Debates Age Restrictions on Social Media Use for Under-16s

Indian officials are debating a private member's bill proposed by parliamentarian Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu to bar children under 16 from maintaining social media accounts, aiming to protect minors from online harms and ensure data privacy. This follows Australia's recent ban on social media for under-16s, prompting global discussions. India, with over 400 million Instagram and Facebook users each, represents a significant market. While the bill is not government policy and may not become law, it has sparked wider parliamentary debate and raised concerns about social media's impact on youth mental health.