The government of Karnataka has announced a ban on the use of social media for children below the age of 16. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement during the state’s budget session in the legislative assembly, making Karnataka the first state in India to introduce such a restriction.
By NSB.News
In a major step aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of excessive smartphone and social media use, the Karnataka government has imposed a ban on social media usage for children under 16 years of age.
Announcing the decision during the budget session, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the move was taken after considering the growing concerns over the negative impact of mobile phones and social media on young users.
With this decision, Karnataka has become the first state in India to introduce a restriction on social media use for children. However, other states such as Goa, Maharashtra and Bihar are also discussing similar measures. Governments in these states have formed task forces and are consulting stakeholders on the possibility of introducing age-based restrictions.
Last month, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also discussed the idea with vice-chancellors of the state higher education council, citing the example of Australia where age-based controls on social media are being debated. The Karnataka government had then decided to study international models before taking a final call.
During his budget speech, the chief minister also announced that a major robotics and artificial intelligence innovation zone will be established in Bengaluru. The project, called the Bengaluru Robotics and AI Innovation Zone, will be developed under Indian Institute of Science in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation and Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited.
Meanwhile, the central government is also considering similar measures. At an AI summit held last month at Bharat Mandapam, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that India is exploring the possibility of introducing age-based restrictions on social media use, as several countries have recognized the need for such regulations.