Centre backs stricter social media rules for under-18 users (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: The Centre has supported the idea of bringing a legal framework to regulate social media access for users below 18 years of age after the Supreme Court raised concerns over the unrestricted use of digital platforms by minors. The move could lead to stricter age verification rules and additional safeguards for children using social media.
The Supreme Court recently heard a plea seeking stronger protection measures for children on social media platforms. During the hearing, the court asked the Centre to examine the possibility of framing statutory rules that could restrict minors from independently creating accounts on social media platforms.
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The petition highlighted concerns over children accepting online platform terms and conditions despite legal limitations on minors entering into contracts. It also sought stronger mechanisms such as age verification and parental consent for under-18 users.
According to reports, the Centre has backed the Supreme Court’s suggestion and indicated that it is open to examining legal measures to regulate social media accounts of minors.
The proposed framework may focus on ensuring that platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and other social networking services take greater responsibility for protecting young users. Companies could be required to introduce stronger age-check systems and safety features for children and teenagers.
The discussion comes amid growing concerns about risks faced by minors in the digital world. Issues such as cyberbullying, online harassment, privacy breaches, harmful content exposure and unsafe interactions have increased demands for stronger child safety measures online.
Experts have also highlighted the challenge of balancing children’s access to technology with protection from potential digital risks.
Several countries have been discussing stricter regulations for children’s social media usage. Governments worldwide are exploring ways to make digital platforms more accountable while ensuring safer online experiences for young users.
If implemented, India’s proposed rules could significantly change how minors access social media platforms and how companies verify the age of users.
