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India, Indonesia Ban Teens From Social Media
6 Mar
Summary
- India's Karnataka proposes blocking under-16s from social media apps.
- Indonesia will prohibit under-16s from high-risk digital platforms.
- Australia's youth social media ban spurred global regulatory talks.
India and Indonesia are implementing bans on social media access for minors, joining a growing global movement. Karnataka, a state in India, has proposed blocking access for those under 16, marking the first such state-level action in the country. Indonesia will prohibit children from holding accounts on high-risk digital platforms, beginning March 28 with services like YouTube and TikTok.
These significant policy shifts follow Australia's social media ban for youths in late 2025, which initiated international discussions on potential harms to children. French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Indonesia's move, emphasizing the need for such regulations. The bans in India and Indonesia, featuring youthful populations and expanding economies, could impact global online platforms' long-term growth plans.
Authorities in India are considering broader nationwide restrictions, with other states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra also exploring ways to limit children's social media exposure due to concerns over pornography, cyberbullying, fraud, and addiction. Tech companies like Meta and YouTube have responded by highlighting their existing safety features and the challenges of age verification, while cautioning against pushing teens toward unregulated sites.
