A Modi ally has tabled a bill to impose a social media ban India for children under 16, sparking debate on youth protection amid global trends.
New Delhi: An ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a private member’s bill on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to enforce a social media ban India for those under 16. Telugu Desam Party lawmaker L.S.K. Devarayalu proposed the Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill to combat digital addiction policies India and protect youth data from foreign platforms. The measure requires platforms to verify ages and disable non-compliant accounts.
India, home to over one billion internet users and 750 million smartphones, currently has no minimum age requirements for social media access. This teens social media ban India proposal positions the country alongside nations like Australia, which implemented an under-16 ban in late 2025, and France, which approved restrictions for under-15s this week. In South Asia, where digital penetration surges, such steps could influence broader regional approaches to online safety and data sovereignty.
Modi Ally Social Media Proposal Details
The 15-page bill explicitly states no individual under 16 shall create, maintain, or hold a social media account. Platforms bear full responsibility for age verification. Non-compliance triggers account disabling. Devarayalu, representing Narasaraopet constituency in Andhra Pradesh, told Reuters: “Not only are our children becoming addicted to social media, but India is also one of the world’s largest producers of data for foreign platforms. Based on this data these companies are creating advanced AI systems effectively turning Indian users into unpaid data providers while the strategic and economic benefits are reaped elsewhere.”
He added: “We are asking that the entire onus of ensuring users’ age be placed on the social media platforms.” The Telugu Desam Party supports Modi’s National Democratic Alliance coalition. Private member’s bills rarely pass directly but often drive policy discussions and amendments to existing laws.
Major platforms including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube, and others dominate India’s market. Companies have not commented publicly on the proposal. Meta has previously advocated for parental supervision tools while cautioning that outright bans risk driving minors to unregulated spaces.
The IT Ministry offered no immediate response.
Teens Social Media Ban India Context
India’s absence of age gates contrasts with international norms. This teens social media ban India initiative follows recent official warnings. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted digital addiction risks in the Economic Survey 2025-26. He described platforms as “predatory” in maximising engagement, particularly targeting users aged 15-24, and urged age-based limits to safeguard mental health and productivity.
The survey links excessive use to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying. India records 24 GB average monthly data consumption per user and 500 million social media accounts averaging 3.2 hours daily. Addiction concerns escalate with rising smartphone ownership.
Globally, Australia enforced its under-16 ban from December 2025, fining non-compliant platforms heavily. France advanced under-15 restrictions. Britain, Denmark, and Greece examine comparable measures. Proponents emphasise child wellbeing; opponents cite enforcement difficulties and free expression impacts.
South Asian neighbours monitor developments closely. India’s scale—far exceeding Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nepal in users—means a social media ban India could set precedents for digital addiction policies India regionally, addressing shared challenges like misinformation and online harassment.
Digital Addiction Policies India Evolution
India’s regulatory landscape advances swiftly. The pending Personal Data Protection framework seeks tighter controls on user data. Existing Information Technology Act provisions tackle harms but omit mandatory age verification. Government initiatives like Digital India promote connectivity, yet face pushback over addiction and exploitation.
Official statistics underscore urgency: high youth engagement coincides with mental health reports. Nageswaran’s call for screen-time limits, device-free periods, and family guidelines complements the bill’s focus.
The proposal arrives as Andhra Pradesh explores similar state-level curbs, inspired by Australia’s model. IT Minister Nara Lokesh noted trust erosion in platforms and ordered studies on age-appropriate access enforcement.
What’s Next
Lawmakers and experts anticipate parliamentary debate. If momentum builds, elements may integrate into broader IT rules or new legislation. Global precedents suggest implementation challenges, including robust verification tech and privacy concerns.
The social media ban India debate will likely intensify, balancing innovation with youth protection in the world’s largest digital market.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 31st, 2026
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