Context:
Karnataka (under-16) and Andhra Pradesh (under-13) are considering restrictions on minors’ social media use to address harms from excessive online exposure.
Summary
• Aim is to protect children from addiction, cyberbullying, harmful content and mental-health impacts.
• Karnataka proposes restrictions for under-16 users.
• Andhra Pradesh proposes restrictions for under-13 users.
• Modalities are still evolving.
Debate
• Experts argue blanket bans may be impractical.
• Many recommend balanced regulation, parental controls and digital literacy instead.
Legal Issue
• Regulation of online intermediaries largely falls under Union jurisdiction, which means state-level bans may face constitutional and operational challenges.
IT Act & Union Role
• Information Technology Act, 2000 provides the core legal framework for digital platforms.
• The Centre frames rules such as IT Rules, 2021 covering due diligence, safety and grievance redressal.
• Under Section 69A, the Centre can block online content for reasons related to sovereignty, security or public order.
• Therefore, internet regulation remains primarily a Union subject, limiting states’ regulatory scope.
