Andhra Pradesh govt considers Australia-style ban on social media for children under 16 to curb online abuse

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh stated that the government is planning to ban social media for those under 16 years of age, following Australia.  

Nara Lokesh says Andhra govt is planning to ban social media for under 16 users

Speaking to Bloomberg on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Minister said that youngsters below a certain age do not fully understand the content they are exposed to on social media, and a strong legal framework was the need of the hour.

“Youngsters below a certain age should not be on such platforms, as they do not fully understand the content they are exposed to. Thus, a strong legal framework may be required,” Lokesh said.

On December 10, 2025, the Australian government banned children under 16 years of age from using major social media platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.    

If implemented, Andhra Pradesh would be the first state in India to bring in restrictions on social media usage for children.

TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy said, “Children below a certain age are not emotionally mature enough to comprehend the negative and harmful content that is freely available online. That is why the Andhra government is studying global best practices and examining Australia’s under-16 social media law.”

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Madras High Court suggested passing Australia-style social media ban

It was reported that last year, the Madras High Court also suggested to the Centre to pass a law similar to that of Australia. 

 The UK lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favour of banning under-16s from social media, following a similar ban in Australia. 

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