Social Media Ban by States May Face Legal Hurdle as Centre Holds Internet Regulation Powers

The recent decisions by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to restrict social media use by minors may face legal challenges, as experts say regulation of the internet falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the Central government.

The two States recently announced plans to impose age-based restrictions on social media platforms, with Karnataka proposing a ban for users under 16 years of age and Andhra Pradesh suggesting restrictions for those below 13 years.

However, legal experts and policy analysts have pointed out that internet regulation in India is largely governed by central laws, which could create a jurisdictional barrier for State governments attempting to enforce such bans.

State Governments Announce Social Media Restrictions

Both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka announced their respective proposals citing concerns about the impact of social media on children and teenagers.

The State governments have argued that excessive social media use among minors can lead to several problems, including:

• Mental health issues

• Exposure to harmful content

• Online addiction

• Cyberbullying and harassment

To address these concerns, the two States proposed regulatory measures targeting younger users.

Karnataka’s proposal suggests restricting social media access for users below 16, while Andhra Pradesh is considering similar measures for children below 13.

Legal Questions Over State Authority

Despite the concerns behind these measures, legal experts believe that State governments may face constitutional and legal hurdles while enforcing such bans.

In India, telecommunications and internet services are largely governed by central laws, including:

• The Information Technology Act

• Telecommunication regulations

• Central government digital policies

Because of this framework, policy decisions affecting internet access and online platforms are typically made by the Union government.

Experts therefore argue that State-level bans could face jurisdictional challenges if they conflict with national laws or policies.

Centre’s Position on Social Media Regulation

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw recently indicated that the Central government is already examining the issue of age-based restrictions on social media platforms.

According to the Minister, discussions are ongoing regarding:

• Minimum age requirements for social media use

• Online safety for children

• Platform accountability and compliance

The Centre’s approach suggests that any nationwide policy on age restrictions would likely be framed through central legislation or regulations.

Such measures could provide uniform rules across the country rather than different policies in different States.

Growing Global Debate on Children and Social Media

The issue of social media access for children and teenagers has become a major topic of debate worldwide.

Several countries are exploring policies aimed at protecting young users from harmful online content and excessive screen time.

Common measures being discussed globally include:

• Minimum age limits for social media platforms

• Parental consent requirements

• Stronger privacy protections for minors

• Limits on targeted advertising to children

Technology companies are also being encouraged to develop safer digital environments for younger users.

Challenges in Enforcing Age-Based Restrictions

Even if regulations are introduced, implementing age-based restrictions on social media platforms presents significant practical challenges.

Some of the main difficulties include:

• Verifying users’ real age online

• Preventing children from bypassing restrictions

• Balancing safety with privacy concerns

Experts believe that effective enforcement may require collaboration between governments, technology companies, and parents.

Platforms may also need to introduce advanced verification systems and stronger safety tools.

Importance of Online Safety for Children

Concerns about online safety for minors have been increasing in recent years as digital platforms become more widely used.

Children today spend significant time on:

• Social networking sites

• Video-sharing platforms

• Online gaming communities

While these platforms offer opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity, they can also expose young users to risks such as:

• Inappropriate content

• Online predators

• Digital addiction

Because of these concerns, governments worldwide are exploring regulatory frameworks to protect young internet users.

Need for a Coordinated National Policy

Experts suggest that a coordinated national policy may be more effective than individual State regulations when it comes to internet governance.

A unified policy could ensure:

• Consistent rules across all States

• Clear guidelines for technology companies

• Better enforcement mechanisms

Since social media platforms operate on a global and nationwide scale, fragmented regulations could create implementation difficulties.

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