Karnataka plans to ban social media for children under 16

The Congress government in Karnataka has reportedly proposed a significant step to regulate digital access among minors by announcing plans to restrict the use of social media for children below the age of 16. 

The proposal was revealed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the presentation of the state’s 2026–27 budget, making Karnataka the first state in India to consider such a measure.

Strict Restrictions Likely

According to the state government, the proposed restriction aims to address the growing concern over excessive social media usage among teenagers and its impact on their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Officials have pointed out that increasing screen time and digital addiction among school students have become a serious issue, prompting the government to consider regulatory intervention.

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If implemented, the restriction would apply to major social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as other widely used platforms like X (Twitter). The government is expected to introduce mechanisms for age verification to ensure that children under 16 are unable to create or operate accounts on these platforms.

Practical Challenges

The move has sparked a nationwide debate. While several educationists and child-rights activists have welcomed the initiative as a step toward protecting young users from harmful online content and digital addiction, some technology experts have raised concerns about the practical challenges of enforcing such a ban.

Questions have also been raised about privacy issues related to age verification and the possibility of teenagers bypassing restrictions through alternative methods.

Social media companies have also expressed caution. Tech giant Meta has reportedly warned that strict bans could push young users toward unregulated platforms, which may create additional risks.