The Andhra Pradesh government is exploring stricter controls on digital platforms, including a possible ban on social media usage for children under 16. The proposal was hinted at by Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh during an interaction with Bloomberg at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Lokesh confirmed that the government is assessing international models and believes firm regulations are required to shield minors from harmful online content. He indicated that the administration sees merit in establishing a stronger legal structure to manage young users’ exposure to social media.

Studying Australia’s under-16 model

Lokesh revealed that the government is closely examining Australia’s recently enacted policy, which prohibits children under 16 from using platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. The Australian law, which came into effect last month, blocks new account creation for minors and mandates the deactivation of existing profiles.

Drawing parallels to this approach, Lokesh said his government is considering a similar legal framework for the state. He remarked that "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."

First state in India to explore such curbs

Reports in local media suggest that the Andhra Pradesh government is seriously weighing the possibility of enforcing these restrictions. If the policy is rolled out, Andhra would become the first Indian state to introduce formal limits on children’s use of social media platforms.

Officials believe the move would help address growing concerns around online safety, misinformation and exposure to inappropriate material among adolescents.

TDP leaders support proposal

Backing the minister’s stance, TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy argued that minors lack the emotional maturity to navigate the vast amount of harmful content online. He also referenced past misuse of social platforms during the previous YSRCP administration, alleging that social media was deployed to orchestrate “brutal and derogatory attacks against women.”

Reddy stated that "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."

He stressed that any such move should not be interpreted as government overreach but as a measure designed solely to safeguard young users against toxicity and online hostility.