Age-Based Social Media Restrictions for Minors
Prelims:
Polity & Governance, Science & Technology
Mains:
GS Paper II-Governance, GS Paper III-Science & Technology
Current relevance:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Australia's ban on social media access for children below 16 years and indicated that India is considering similar age-based restrictions to enhance online safety for minors.
At a glance:
Australia's Social Media Law:
Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, 2024 requires social media platforms to prevent children below 16 years of age from accessing their services.
India's Approach:
India is exploring age-based restrictions on social media platforms to improve online safety for children and adolescents.
Legal Options:
This restriction may be introduced through:
New legislation passed by Parliament, or
Amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Significance:
To strengthening child online safety, promoting responsible digital governance, and creating a secure digital ecosystem while ensuring balanced access to technology and freedom of expression.