Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Social Media Ban

Highlights on Social Media Regulation Initiatives in India

State Initiatives:

• Karnataka: Ban on social media use for children under 16 years.
• Andhra Pradesh: Ban on social media for children under 13 years; regulations to be introduced within 90 days.

Government Perspectives:

• Karnataka Chief Minister: Aims to safeguard children from the negative effects of social media.
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister: Emphasized the importance of regulations for child protection.

Jurisdictional Challenges:

• Internet Regulation: Is the exclusive domain of the Union government.
• Central laws governing digital framework include:
  • Information Technology Act
  • IT Rules

Current Government Discussions:

• Union Minister for Electronics and IT: Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted ongoing discussions on age-based restrictions for social media use.

Expert Opinions:

• Garima Saxena, Analyst at The Dialogue:
  • States may struggle with constitutional fit and enforceability of state-imposed restrictions on digital services.
• Internet Freedom Foundation: Critique of blanket bans on social media suggesting they could be counterproductive and fail to address root issues such as:
  • Engagement-driven design of platforms
  • Inadequate data protection frameworks
  • Low digital literacy

International Context:

• Australia: Became the first country to institute a ban on social media for children, although the effectiveness and data supporting this policy is lacking.
• Indonesia: Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced a similar ban for those under 16 years after scrutiny of compliance with disinformation laws.

Industry Responses:

• Meta (Facebook): Stated willingness to comply with enforced bans while advocating that protections should extend beyond social media to all apps accessed by children.

Potential Consequences:

• Such state-level bans could face legal challenges regarding their alignment with existing central legislation as well as debates surrounding children's rights to information, expression, and participation.