India May Consider Age Based Limits on Social Media Use, Adviser Suggests
New Delhi – India may move toward introducing age-based restrictions on social media access as concerns grow over excessive screen time, digital addiction, and the impact of online platforms on young users. The proposal comes amid increasing global scrutiny of social media companies and their influence on children and adolescents, particularly in fast-growing digital markets like India.
The country’s chief economic adviser has suggested that the government examine policies that restrict access to social media platforms based on age, arguing that younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive usage patterns and harmful content. The recommendation reflects a wider debate about whether existing safeguards are sufficient in an era where online engagement is driven by algorithms designed to maximise time spent on apps.
India’s rapid digital expansion has made it one of the world’s largest markets for social media companies. Affordable smartphones and some of the cheapest mobile data plans globally have enabled hundreds of millions of people to come online, with young users forming a substantial share of daily active audiences across platforms.
According to the adviser, digital addiction is increasingly affecting academic performance, sleep quality, attention spans, and workplace productivity. He highlighted how constant notifications, infinite scrolling, and recommendation algorithms encourage prolonged usage, particularly among teenagers and young adults who may lack the tools to self-regulate their screen time.
The proposal aligns India with a growing international trend. Several countries have either implemented or are actively considering age-based social media restrictions, citing child welfare, mental health, and online safety. These developments have intensified pressure on governments to balance digital innovation with social responsibility.
In India, the recommendations are not legally binding but often influence policy debates within the government. Previous economic survey suggestions have shaped reforms in taxation, investment rules, and digital infrastructure, making the latest proposal significant despite its advisory nature.
India currently does not enforce a nationwide minimum age requirement for accessing social media platforms. This regulatory gap has allowed widespread use among minors, often without effective parental controls or reliable age verification mechanisms. The adviser has argued that platforms themselves should be held responsible for enforcing age checks and setting age-appropriate default features.
Social media companies have long maintained that parental oversight and digital literacy are more effective than outright bans. Some firms warn that strict age-based restrictions could push teenagers toward unregulated or less safe online spaces, complicating enforcement and safety efforts.
The issue has also drawn attention at the state level. Several Indian states have begun studying international regulatory models, exploring whether similar measures could be adopted locally to protect children from excessive screen exposure and online harm.
Officials in these states have publicly expressed concern that young people are spending increasing amounts of time on social media at the expense of education, physical activity, and real-world social interaction. They argue that unchecked usage may have long-term consequences for cognitive development and emotional well-being.
Activists and technology experts, however, are divided on the effectiveness of age-based bans. Critics point out that children can often bypass age restrictions using fake credentials, making enforcement difficult without robust digital identity systems and strong platform accountability.
Supporters counter that even imperfect regulations can help set social norms, encourage parental involvement, and push companies to redesign platforms with child safety in mind. They argue that policy intervention is necessary to address what they see as exploitative engagement-driven business models.
India’s government has previously clashed with social media companies over issues such as content moderation, data storage, and compliance with takedown orders. The current discussion adds another layer to an already complex relationship between regulators and global technology firms.
As policymakers weigh the costs and benefits of age-based restrictions, the debate is likely to intensify. With India’s massive youth population and deepening digital penetration, any regulatory shift could have global implications for how social media companies operate and design their platforms.
The adviser has emphasized that restrictions should be part of a broader strategy that includes family-level interventions such as screen-time limits, device-free hours, and encouragement of offline activities. The goal, he said, is not to demonize technology but to ensure healthier and more balanced digital habits.
Whether India ultimately adopts age-based curbs or opts for alternative safeguards, the conversation reflects a growing recognition that the social impact of digital platforms can no longer be ignored. As trust in social media continues to erode, governments may feel compelled to act more decisively to protect younger generations.
