Social media ban for children in India is under debate

State ministers and the national Economic Survey have proposed studying age-based limits on social media for children, while experts warn enforcement and age verification would be challenging.

State ministers in several Indian states and the national Economic Survey have called for studying age-based limits on social media for children. A private member's bill has been introduced in parliament and at least one state government has set up a group to consult major platforms. Experts and campaigners have reported that enforcing a ban would face legal and technical hurdles, including age verification and cross-jurisdiction enforcement. Key points: - Several state ministers said they are reviewing age-based restrictions following international moves to require age verification. - The Economic Survey recommended the federal government consider age-based limits, but its recommendations are non-binding. - Experts cited challenges such as verifying users' ages, inconsistent state-by-state rules, and whether platforms would comply or contest measures in court. Summary: Discussions have led to state-level consultations with major platforms and parliamentary debate, but practical enforcement and legal outcomes remain uncertain. Undetermined at this time.