Under-16 Social Media Ban Coming To India? PM Modi's Praise For Australia Move Sets Off Buzz

Last Updated:July 11, 2026, 10:05 IST

PM Modi described Australia's decision as an important step towards protecting children from online harm and said India could learn from the country's experience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for Australia’s decision to restrict social media access for children under 16 has sparked speculation over whether India could consider a similar measure.

PM Modi welcomed Australia’s move and said India could learn from its experience. However, the Indian government has not announced any plan to impose a nationwide social media ban on children under 16.

What Did PM Modi Say About Australia’s Social Media Ban?

PM Modi hailed Australia’s decision as a significant step towards protecting children from the harmful effects of social media and said India could draw lessons from the country’s approach.

His remarks have fuelled speculation over whether India could explore similar age based restrictions to protect young users from online risks.

How Does Australia’s Under 16 Social Media Ban Work?

Australia’s nationwide social media ban for children under 16 came into effect in December 2025. Under the law, social media companies are required to take reasonable steps to prevent users below the age of 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.

The restrictions apply to major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Threads and Twitch. Services such as WhatsApp, Messenger and YouTube Kids are exempt from the ban.

The responsibility for enforcing the restrictions lies with social media companies. Neither children nor their parents face penalties for violations. The law also does not allow parents to give consent for children under 16 to bypass the restrictions.

Will India Ban Social Media For Children Under 16?

So far, there is no official confirmation that India plans to introduce a similar ban.

PM Modi’s remarks have sparked discussion because he said India could learn from Australia’s experience. However, the Centre has not announced any proposal or legislation to prevent children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.

If India decides to consider such restrictions, questions around age verification, user privacy, enforcement and the platforms covered by the rules are likely to become key issues.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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