The world is a small place. Technology, especially social media, has made it even smaller. Today, anyone from one corner of the world can instantly connect with a stranger thousands of miles away. Still, this unprecedented connectivity has its disadvantages. These concerns prompted Australia to enact a landmark reform banning users under the age of 16 from having accounts on some social media platforms, the first such measure anywhere in the world.Can India also bring similar reforms? Are there sufficient grounds to keep minors away from social media? What potential challenges would such a move invite – and is there an alternative to a complete ban?These questions are at the center of the Indian debate.
Australia’s social media ban
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act was made effective from 10 December, one year after it was passed by the Australian Parliament. The November 2024 law amended the 2021 Online Safety Act and introduced a minimum age requirement for access to social media platforms.
Australia’s social media ban
according to Digital 2025: Australia According to the report, the island-continent had 20.9 million social media user identities (as of February 2025), representing 78% of its population. Dr Alok Kumar, a senior journalist who runs a YouTube channel, told The Times of India, “This ban can be implemented in a country like Australia, which is located in a corner of the world and despite its vast landmass, has a very low population.”Although the Australian government has stated that these measures are only for minors, Kumar suggested that the move may also be aimed at addressing concerns raised by Jewish groups about “rising anti-Semitism” in Australia – similar claims have been made about the rest of the West – an issue highlighted by the recent terrorist attack targeting Jews in Sydney.“Exposure to social networking sites has radicalized many people who already held anti-Semitism,” Kumar said, referring to the Israel-Hamas war.support, criticism and pushbackA recent survey by Melbourne-based Monash University found widespread public approval for the measure, with 79% of 1,598 adult respondents in favour. In contrast, an ABC News survey of the targeted age group, involving 17,000 respondents, found that 70% clearly opposed the ban, while 21% were unsure.
This is a world-leading move by Australia and it is a change driven, in large part, by Australian parents. Our social media ban is about giving Australian parents more peace of mind. It is also about ensuring Australian children have a good childhood. Australian children will have more time to be kids and Australian parents will have peace of mind.
Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister
X (formerly Twitter), owned by the world’s richest man Elon Musk, was the last to accept this regulation. In a statement, the company said, “This is not our choice – it is required by Australian law.”
While UNICEF welcomes the increased commitment to protecting children online, age restrictions should be part of a comprehensive approach that protects children from harm, respects their rights to privacy and participation, and protects them from being pushed into unregulated, less safe spaces. Regulation should not be a substitute for platforms investing in child safety. Laws imposing age restrictions are not a substitute for companies improving platform design and content moderation.
UNICEF
Reddit, another platform covered by the law, has already filed a legal challenge, arguing that the law is “ineffective” and violates freedom of political communication. The Digital Freedom Project, which describes itself as “a group of Australians concerned about increasing government interference in the digital sphere”, has also filed a legal challenge against the law.
Australia first, others then?
In May, neighboring New Zealand introduced a draft bill proposing a ban on social media for under-16 children. In the UK, although the Online Safety Act has been in place since July, a recent YouGov survey found that 74% of adults support a complete ban on minors’ accounts. Other European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands, have also proposed age-based restrictions. In the US, such rules exist at the state level, while Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram from 14 to 16. Closer to home, a similar ban in Nepal sparked protests led by “Gen Z,” culminating in the fall of the government.
Nepal ‘Gen Z’ protest
Social media penetration in India
Australia’s ban applies to about 1.5 million people out of a total population of about 27.5 million; The age group concerned in India, the world’s most populous country, is larger than the entire population of Australia alone. Official data shows India had 1,017.81 million internet subscribers as of September, up from 251.5 million in March 2014. According to datareport Digital 2025: India According to the report, there were about 806 million internet users in the country at the beginning of the year, including about 491 million social media users. How did social media develop in India?Social media usage has increased rapidly in India due to affordable smartphones and cheap data. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook have now become a central part of daily life – especially for younger users – which often also serve as gateways to the Internet. Its popularity among the youth as well as its overall growth can be attributed to the following:
- Low cost access: Affordable smartphones and some of the cheapest mobile data plans in the world.
- Multifunctional Use: Beyond communication, the platform is used for learning, entertainment, content creation, and informal commerce.
- Speed, Access and Convenience: Information can be shared around the world within seconds, often without users needing to leave their home.
- ease of access: Minimum age verification and hassle-free sign-up processes.
- Fame and Virility Factor: Content can go viral unexpectedly, giving even first-time creators instant visibility and recognition.
- Economic Opportunities: Influencer culture, creator monetization, and small-scale digital entrepreneurship.
- Drive to do something “different”: Many users, especially younger ones, turn to content creation – such as vlogging or short-form videos – either alongside full-time careers or as an alternative livelihood.
- ‘Fatigue’ of traditional news platforms: Many users are turning to social media, citing “fatigue” with traditional news platforms.
Internet/Social Media Regulation in India
India does not impose a complete ban on platforms but regulates them through the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology Rules, 2021.IT Act: Basic law for digital regulation in India; Classifies social media platforms as “intermediaries” and provides a legal framework for intermediary liability and enforcement.IT Rules: Issued under IT Act; Imposes due diligence obligations on intermediaries, requires large platforms (5 million+ users) to appoint local authorities, and mandates regular compliance reports.The rules also prescribe a “code of conduct” to regulate and address harmful content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.recent restrictions Notable actions include the ban on TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in June 2020 on national security grounds, followed by 118 additional apps in September and 43 additional apps in November; Blocking 63 pornographic websites in October 2022 for violating IT rules; And in July 2025, 43 OTT apps were banned for streaming “soft porn” and “indecent content”.
Feasibility of Australia like model in India
Is Australia model possible in India? No, according to Kumar, any such move could not only lead to large-scale unrest but also destroy the country’s digital progress, such as digital wallet payments.He said, “If the government wanted, it would have already banned social media. The common man is busy consuming jokes or some entertaining content on social media. His mind is diverted from daily issues. Then why would the government impose a ban? A mass ban is not possible in any case.”Instagram Reels: The Case for Social Media RegulationNevertheless, the online availability of child abuse material could be one possible basis, while Instagram Reels could be another.Launched in August 2020, Reels quickly became a global phenomenon. This craze is no surprise in India, which with its huge youth population and highly engaged social media users, hosts Instagram’s largest user base, more than 480 million.However, influencers often take extreme risks for the sake of reels: some hang precariously from buildings, while others perform dangerous stunts on vehicles or park their vehicles in the middle of roads, causing inconvenience to commuters. This example raises the question whether at least some form of regulation is needed.On this point, Kumar suggested refraining from punitive action, saying, “It is the responsibility of the state to sensitize the youth who commit such acts or upload harmful content. Don’t treat them like criminals.”Potential Obstacles/Challenges
- Size of population/user base: Given India’s huge population and huge user base, a ban would be extremely difficult to enforce.
- Legal Challenges: Any such policy would certainly face court challenges and could be struck down on constitutional or legal grounds.
- Youth/civil society opposition: The ban could trigger mass protests by youth and civil society, as seen in other countries (e.g. Nepal).
- Global Perception: A ban on social media in the world’s largest democracy could attract negative international attention and be seen as a poor approach.
- VPN protection: Blocked websites can often be accessed through virtual private networks (VPNs), reducing the effectiveness of any restrictions.
- Economic and Educational Impact: Since such platforms are increasingly being used for learning, entrepreneurship and digital livelihoods, the ban could have unintended economic and educational consequences.
the way forward
So, what is the way forward? Is there an alternative solution better than a ban?Kumar agreed: “Ban is never the solution. It is better to monitor the platforms.” If any harmful content is found then the government should talk to the operator and get it removed. Secondly, social media also has many good qualities – people should be aware and encouraged to use it positively. Platforms like Instagram Reels highlight the opportunities and risks of social media in India. With use rising among the vast youth population, the global debate over regulation reflects broader concerns about safety, well-being, and public responsibility, setting the stage for ongoing discussions in the years to come.
