Context
• Andhra Pradesh has set up a ministers’ panel to examine a proposal to ban social media for children under 16.
• Inspired by Australia’s model on child digital safety.
Crisp summary
• Andhra Pradesh becomes the first Indian state to formally explore a social media ban for under-16s.
• Proposal aims to protect children from online abuse, harmful content and mental health risks.
• Implementation is complex as IT regulation requires Centre’s approval (Section 69A, IT Act).
• Existing law: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 mandates verifiable parental consent for children’s data (child defined as below 18), but does not ban social media.
