The Indian Government is not in favour of a ban on social media for children, and is instead considering a more nuanced and graded approach in specifying restrictions for children under 18 years, The Indian Express newspaper reported yesterday, citing top government sources.

“There will be a certain set of restrictions for those in the 8-12 years age bracket, another set for 12-16 year olds, and different measures for those aged 16-18 years,” a senior government functionary told The Indian Express. (https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-looks-at-nuanced-graded-age-based-restrictions-on-social-media-for-children-10570566/#:~:text=THE%20government%20is%20not%20in,according%20to%20top%20government%20sources.)

“It will be a separate law, and the government is looking at introducing it in the monsoon session of Parliament,” said the functionary, who did not wish to be named, according to the Express news story.

While the IT Ministry has over the weeks discussed the possibility of allowing limited usage to children at certain fixed hours during the day in its internal meetings, top government sources told Express there have been informal discussions amongst Cabinet ministers on the need for social media curbs on children.

“We are in favour of restrictions, but not a ban,” said the functionary responding to the announcements relating to social media curbs by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, according to The Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Indianbroadcastingworld.com had reported on March 7 that as Karnataka announced a social media ban for children below 16 years, Meta on March 6 cautioned that governments considering such restrictions should be careful not to push teens towards less safe, unregulated sites or logged-out experiences that lack key protection.

Meta, in a statement, had said it will comply with local laws like bans wherever enforced, but added that with teens using nearly 40 apps weekly, “targeting a handful of companies won’t keep them safe”, a PTI report had stated.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 6 announced a ban on use of social media for kids under the age of 16 years, a move aimed at preventing its adverse effects on children.