A proposed Indian bill to ban social media for teens highlights growing global concern over digital addiction, data use and youth safety.
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| An analysis of India’s proposed teen social media ban and its implications for global tech platforms and digital policy. Image: CH |
New Delhi, India — January 31, 2026:
India has stepped into a rapidly expanding global debate over children’s use of social media after a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed legislation that would bar teenagers from major platforms. While the bill has not been introduced by the federal government, its scope and timing underline how concerns about youth mental health, digital addiction and data sovereignty are converging in one of the world’s most important technology markets.
The proposal comes from L.S.K. Devarayalu of the Telugu Desam Party, a crucial partner in Modi’s coalition. His draft Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill would prevent anyone under 16 from creating or holding a social media account and require platforms to disable accounts found to be in violation. By placing the full responsibility for age verification on technology companies, the bill challenges both their technical systems and their commercial incentives.
Devarayalu’s argument extends beyond parental anxiety. He frames social media use by Indian children as part of a larger economic imbalance, suggesting that data generated by young users is feeding advanced artificial intelligence systems owned by foreign companies. In this view, Indian users provide the raw material, while the strategic and financial gains are realised elsewhere. This line of reasoning resonates with broader policy discussions in India around data localisation and digital self-reliance.
India’s move mirrors a growing international trend. Australia recently became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, while France has backed restrictions for those under 15. Governments in Britain, Denmark and Greece are also examining age-based limits. India’s entry into this debate is significant because of its scale, with around 750 million smartphones and an estimated one billion internet users, making it a central growth market for platforms such as Meta and YouTube.
Technology companies have pushed back against outright bans. Meta has said it supports laws that strengthen parental oversight but has warned that blanket restrictions could drive teenagers toward unregulated and potentially more dangerous online spaces. Such concerns highlight the tension between child protection goals and fears of unintended consequences in enforcement.
Politically, the bill’s importance lies in its potential influence rather than its immediate legal prospects. As a private member’s bill, it does not carry the weight of a government initiative, but similar proposals in India have historically sparked parliamentary debate and shaped future regulation. Recent comments from India’s chief economic adviser, calling for policies to address digital addiction through age-based access limits, suggest the issue is gaining momentum within policymaking circles.
If India ultimately moves toward stricter age restrictions, the implications would extend well beyond its borders. For global technology firms, it could reshape access to one of their largest user bases. For other emerging economies, India’s stance may serve as a reference point in balancing child safety, free expression and economic growth. At its core, the debate reflects a broader question confronting governments worldwide: how to protect young users in a digital environment that is increasingly driven by data, algorithms and global corporate power.