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Reports emerged around the internet that the government was planning to put curbs on social media use for individuals under the age of 18. The government has now clarified that such reports are “fake” and have no basis.
The clarification came after reports emerged following a recent Supreme Court hearing on safeguards for children using social media and other digital platforms. During the hearing, the court asked the Centre to consider whether children below 18 should be prevented from creating social media accounts without parental consent.
Government sources (DD News) said there is no proposal under consideration to impose curbs on social media access for people below 18. The clarification was issued after reports suggested that changes could be made to the Information Technology rules to restrict minors from creating accounts on social media platforms.
What Happened During the Supreme Court Hearing?
The issue came up during a hearing on a petition seeking stronger safeguards for children on social media and other digital platforms.
The Supreme Court discussed the legal position of minors entering into agreements with social media platforms. The court also asked the government to examine whether existing requirements relating to minors could be given a statutory framework.
The Centre said it would examine the issue and consider steps to ensure that social media platforms comply with Indian laws relating to minors.
However, the government’s latest clarification makes it clear that there is currently no proposal to impose a blanket social media restriction on people below 18.
The issue of regulating minors’ access to social media has gained attention in several countries, with different governments considering age-based restrictions and other safeguards. Questions around age verification, privacy and enforcement have also emerged in discussions on such measures.
For now, no social media ban or blanket restriction for under-18 users has been announced by the Indian government. The government has dismissed reports suggesting otherwise as having no basis.
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