The Andhra Pradesh government is examining Australia’s recent ban on social media access for children under 16, with a view to exploring similar safeguards, according to IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh. Speaking at theWorld Economic Forum, Lokesh stressed the need for a strong legal framework to protect minors in the digital space.

“Our administration is reviewing Australia’s policy for individuals under 16, and I am convinced we need a firm legal framework,” he said. Lokesh expressed concern about the impact of online platforms on young minds, arguing that children below a certain age lack the maturity to understand the implications of the content they consume. “They simply do not grasp what appears on their screens,” he noted.

The move comes amid growing debate in India on safeguarding minors from online harms. While existing rules mandate parental consent and oversight for underage users, the Centre has so far refrained from imposing age-based prohibitions. Several legal petitions have sought stricter controls on children’s exposure to harmful digital content, but experts caution that state-level restrictions could face legal and operational challenges.

Cybersecurity and policy expert Karnika Seth pointed out that enforcement would be complex. “The internet runs on core infrastructure, and there are ways to bypass location-based restrictions,” she said, adding that any such policy must be examined for both feasibility and implementation.

Despite these concerns, India has been updating its digital regulatory framework to address data protection, platform accountability and online security. Globally, countries such as Indonesia, Denmark and Brazil are also considering tighter controls on social media, especially as technology companies increasingly target adolescents as key users.

The proposed review aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s broader tech-driven agenda, which seeks to balance innovation with social responsibility. Critics, however, question whether states can effectively regulate digital platforms, given that telecommunications and internet governance largely fall under the Centre’s jurisdiction.

Supporters argue that state-led initiatives could set important precedents in a country with over 800 million internet users, many of them young. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have faced scrutiny worldwide for algorithms that encourage addictive behaviour and expose minors to cyberbullying, misinformation and inappropriate content.

In Australia, the model under review proposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars on companies that fail to block underage accounts, with enforcement expected from late 2025. Proponents cite studies linking excessive social media use to anxiety and depression among teenagers.

Technological hurdles remain significant, with VPNs and proxy servers potentially undermining age-verification systems. While platforms have introduced tools like time limits and content filters, compliance varies. As discussions continue, Andhra Pradesh is expected to hold consultations with experts and stakeholders, a process that could lead to draft legislation later this year.