India Mulls Age-Based Restrictions on Social Media, Says IT Minister
India is actively considering age-based social media restrictions as part of a broader push to enhance online safety for minors, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The proposed move forms part of the government’s wider efforts to curb digital harms and create a safer online ecosystem amid the rapid expansion of social media usage in the country.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Vaishnaw confirmed that the government has initiated discussions with major social media platforms and global technology companies to determine the “right way to go about” regulating age-based access to digital services. The aim, he explained, is to identify practical age-verification mechanisms that platforms can implement to reduce harmful exposure for younger users while remaining compliant with India’s legal and regulatory framework.
The minister clarified that no final decision has been taken and that no specific age threshold has been formally announced. Consultations with industry stakeholders are ongoing and are focused on striking a careful balance between technological innovation, open access to digital platforms, and stronger online safeguards for children and teenagers.
Vaishnaw also expressed concern over the rapid rise of AI-generated deepfakes, describing them as an emerging societal threat. He emphasised that regulatory systems must evolve beyond existing norms to address the growing risks linked to artificial intelligence, misinformation, and manipulated digital content. According to the minister, the scale and sophistication of AI-driven threats demand forward-looking policy interventions and stronger digital governance frameworks.
India’s deliberations on social media regulation are taking place amid significant global regulatory shifts. Several countries have already implemented age-related restrictions and stricter online safety laws for minors, developments that are influencing India’s approach. Policy experts have previously advocated for robust age-verification systems and parental consent mechanisms under frameworks such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Online safety and responsible digital access have also featured prominently in national policy discussions, including references in the annual Economic Survey presented by the country’s Chief Economic Adviser.
While the government has yet to unveil a concrete proposal, the ongoing discussions suggest that regulatory reforms around social media age limits could be on the horizon. Any future framework is expected to significantly shape how young Indians access social media platforms, engage with digital content, and navigate the country’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Vaishnaw confirmed that the government has initiated discussions with major social media platforms and global technology companies to determine the “right way to go about” regulating age-based access to digital services. The aim, he explained, is to identify practical age-verification mechanisms that platforms can implement to reduce harmful exposure for younger users while remaining compliant with India’s legal and regulatory framework.
The minister clarified that no final decision has been taken and that no specific age threshold has been formally announced. Consultations with industry stakeholders are ongoing and are focused on striking a careful balance between technological innovation, open access to digital platforms, and stronger online safeguards for children and teenagers.
Vaishnaw also expressed concern over the rapid rise of AI-generated deepfakes, describing them as an emerging societal threat. He emphasised that regulatory systems must evolve beyond existing norms to address the growing risks linked to artificial intelligence, misinformation, and manipulated digital content. According to the minister, the scale and sophistication of AI-driven threats demand forward-looking policy interventions and stronger digital governance frameworks.
India’s deliberations on social media regulation are taking place amid significant global regulatory shifts. Several countries have already implemented age-related restrictions and stricter online safety laws for minors, developments that are influencing India’s approach. Policy experts have previously advocated for robust age-verification systems and parental consent mechanisms under frameworks such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Online safety and responsible digital access have also featured prominently in national policy discussions, including references in the annual Economic Survey presented by the country’s Chief Economic Adviser.
While the government has yet to unveil a concrete proposal, the ongoing discussions suggest that regulatory reforms around social media age limits could be on the horizon. Any future framework is expected to significantly shape how young Indians access social media platforms, engage with digital content, and navigate the country’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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