Andhra Pradesh : government has announced plans to examine legal options that would introduce age-appropriate access to social media platforms, citing growing concerns about online safety and the wellbeing of young users. The move signals a more structured approach to addressing digital harms, particularly those affecting children and women, while balancing the role of social media in modern communication.

Government Signals Policy Review on Digital Safety

The initiative was outlined by Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology and Electronics, who said the state would study existing legal frameworks that regulate how and when young people can access social media. According to Lokesh, unchecked exposure to online platforms has begun to erode public trust and created risks that can no longer be overlooked.

Concerns Over Children’s Usage and Online Abuse

In a post on X, Lokesh pointed to what he described as excessive social media use among children, warning that it is affecting attention spans and academic performance. He also highlighted the scale of online harassment faced by women, describing it as persistent and damaging. These issues, he said, have prompted the government to consider regulatory intervention rather than voluntary measures alone.

Group of Ministers Formed to Examine Options

To take the discussion forward, the state recently constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) chaired by Lokesh. The panel has been tasked with assessing whether restrictions or even prohibitions should be placed on social media access for children under the age of 16. The GoM’s mandate includes reviewing legal, social, and technological aspects to ensure that any policy adopted is practical and enforceable.

Engagement Planned With Major Platforms

As part of the process, the government has invited major social media and technology companies, including Meta, Google, and ShareChat, to participate in the next GoM meeting. The aim is to study global best practices and understand how platforms in other regions manage age verification and user safety. Officials believe industry input will be essential in shaping regulations that are both effective and realistic.

Learning From Other States and Countries

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, who is also a member of the GoM, said the panel would closely examine models adopted by other Indian states and foreign governments. She noted that international experiences could help Andhra Pradesh identify a framework that protects users without unnecessarily limiting access to digital services.

Australia’s Law Cited as Reference Point

Among the global examples under review is Australia’s recent legislation that sets 16 as the minimum age for social media use and places responsibility on platforms to ensure compliance. Anitha said such measures demonstrate how governments can shift accountability toward companies while prioritizing user safety, though she added that local conditions would need to be considered before adopting a similar approach.

Remarks Made at Global Forum

Lokesh had earlier raised the issue on an international stage during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. There, he indicated that Andhra Pradesh was actively considering steps similar to those taken by Australia to shield children from harmful online content. His comments underscored the state’s intent to align its digital policies with emerging global standards.

Focus on Long-Term Legal Framework

Reiterating the government’s position, Lokesh said children below a certain age often lack the maturity to fully understand or process the content they encounter online. He argued that a strong legal framework is necessary to reduce overdependence on social media and encourage healthier digital habits. The government, he added, aims to create an online environment that supports innovation while safeguarding vulnerable users.