India Weighs Social Media Ban for Teens as Global Debate Intensifies

India may soon become the next major battleground in the global push to restrict teenagers’ access to social media, following a legislative proposal from a key ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The proposed law, introduced by lawmaker L.S.K. Devarayalu, seeks to prohibit children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms. The move comes as countries around the world experiment with stricter controls on minors’ online access amid rising concerns over mental health, digital addiction, and online safety.

The development, first reported by Reuters, positions India at a critical point in the worldwide debate over how far governments should go in regulating youth participation in social networks.

What the Proposed Bill Says

Devarayalu’s proposed “Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill” would ban users under 16 from holding social media accounts, placing responsibility for enforcement squarely on technology companies rather than parents or children.

Platforms failing to comply could face penalties, though specific enforcement details remain under discussion.

The proposal cites two primary motivations:

• Protecting children from digital addiction and harmful online content
• Reducing India’s dependence on foreign technology platforms that benefit from Indian user data

According to government assessments, excessive social media use among young people is increasingly linked to sleep disruption, anxiety, academic decline, and reduced productivity.

Devarayalu also framed the issue in economic terms, arguing that Indian users generate vast quantities of data that power artificial intelligence and advertising systems owned largely by foreign companies.

Why India Matters Globally

India is the world’s largest internet market by user count, with more than a billion internet users and hundreds of millions active on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Any age-based restriction would therefore affect millions of accounts and reshape platform strategies in one of their most important markets.

A similar ban in Australia led to millions of teenage accounts being removed, though many minors reportedly bypassed restrictions through VPN services or by using adult accounts.

Global Momentum Behind Teen Restrictions

India’s debate follows similar policy moves abroad.

Australia implemented an under-16 social media ban in late 2025, making platforms responsible for blocking minors. France also approved legislation in January 2026 restricting access for users under 15 and introducing tighter controls for older teens.

Other countries, including Denmark, Spain, and the United Kingdom, are considering or strengthening youth protections online, signalling a broader shift toward tighter regulation.

Enforcement Challenges Loom

Despite political support, experts warn enforcement could prove difficult.

Age verification technologies often rely on facial recognition or document uploads, both of which raise privacy concerns and carry risks of data breaches. India has already experienced several large-scale data leaks involving personal information, raising concerns about requiring minors to submit identity documents online.

There is also evidence from other countries that teenagers quickly find ways to bypass restrictions, sometimes migrating to less regulated platforms that lack safety protections.

Economic and Industry Impact

India’s rapidly growing creator economy could also face disruption.

Platforms such as YouTube contribute billions of dollars to India’s economy and support hundreds of thousands of content creators and associated jobs. A reduction in teenage users — who often represent heavy engagement segments — could affect advertising revenues and creator earnings.

Companies including Meta and Alphabet have not publicly commented on the proposal but are likely monitoring developments closely, given India’s importance to global growth.

Political and Legal Uncertainty

Because the bill is introduced as a Private Member’s Bill rather than official government legislation, its passage is not guaranteed. However, proposals from lawmakers aligned with Modi’s governing coalition often influence policy direction.

India’s federal structure adds complexity, as internet regulation falls largely under central government authority, limiting states’ ability to implement their own bans without national coordination.

A Difficult Policy Balancing Act

India’s policymakers now face competing priorities: protecting young users from harmful online experiences while avoiding privacy risks, economic disruption, and excessive restrictions on digital participation.

Some experts argue that instead of outright bans, governments should push platforms to redesign systems that encourage addictive behaviour — such as endless scrolling, algorithmic recommendations, and auto play features — while strengthening parental controls and independent safety audits.

What Comes Next?

The coming months will determine whether the proposal gains traction in Parliament or influences government-backed legislation.

If India proceeds, it would not only reshape its own digital ecosystem but also set a powerful precedent for how the world’s largest internet population balances child safety, economic growth, and digital rights.

The outcome could influence global regulation for years to come — and determine how future generations experience social media.