Goa considers social media ban for users under the age of 16

The Indian state of Goa is deliberating a potential ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, inspired by recent legislative actions in Australia. Rohan Khaunte, Goa's Minister for Information Technology, announced on January 26 that the government is currently evaluating the Australian framework. This initiative is primarily aimed at protecting the mental health and well-being of younger users, who are increasingly engaged with digital platforms. Khaunte expressed the government's intentions, stating, "If possible, we will implement a similar ban on children below 16 for usage of social media." He emphasized that further details regarding the proposal will be released in due course. The ban would focus on widely used platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The Australian legislation being referenced requires social media companies to take "reasonable steps" to prevent minors from creating accounts, with substantial fines imposed for non-compliance. However, the execution of such a ban at the state level could face legal hurdles. The Goa government is currently assessing the feasibility of this restriction in accordance with India's central IT regulations. This initiative aligns with a growing trend among several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, which are also considering measures to protect children from online harassment and digital addiction. The global conversation surrounding children's safety in the digital realm is intensifying. While some advocates argue that such a ban is essential to mitigate youth addiction and the risk of exposure to inappropriate content, others raise concerns about enforcement practicality and the likelihood of children finding ways to bypass restrictions. In an interview with The Indian Express, Khaunte indicated that the proposal will be reviewed in consultation with Goa's Chief Minister before any conclusive decisions are made. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring positive outcomes for future generations. Other countries, including France, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are closely monitoring Australia's approach, with France having already enacted similar legislation in its National Assembly.