Centre Examines Age Curbs on Social Media, Plans Tighter Rules on Deepfakes
Post published on Wed, 18 February, 2026 HEADLINE 48
Imphal, February 18 (Wayel Kati): The Union government is weighing the introduction of age-based limits on social media use for children below 16, with consultations underway with major platforms, Union IT Minister
Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday.
Officials indicated that the Centre may amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to incorporate safeguards for minors. While a complete prohibition is unlikely, policymakers are studying international practices — particularly the regulatory model adopted by
Australia — before finalising their approach.
A senior ministry official noted that the government is assessing whether certain categories of online accounts should remain accessible to children while others may require restrictions. The aim, the official said, is to strike a balance between access and safety rather than impose a blanket ban.
Vaishnaw stated that age-based regulation is increasingly being recognised worldwide as necessary to protect young users. Countries such as
France have already passed legislation restricting access for younger teenagers, while
Spain and the
United Kingdom are considering similar steps.
In India, there is currently no direct prohibition on children using social media. However, under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent before processing the data of users under 18. This effectively limits how companies collect information, run targeted advertisements, or profile minors without guardian approval.
The debate has also reached the judiciary. The
Madras High Court has recommended that the Centre explore legislation similar to Australia’s model. Meanwhile, the Economic Survey released in January highlighted the growing economic and social costs of excessive screen exposure among young people, urging firms to adopt age verification systems and safer default settings.
Focus on Deepfake Threat
Alongside child-safety measures, the government is also looking to tighten rules against deepfakes. Vaishnaw warned that manipulated digital content poses rising risks to society and stressed that global technology firms must remain sensitive to local legal and cultural norms.
Recent amendments to IT regulations already require rapid removal of deepfake content, clearer labelling of AI-generated media, and stronger compliance obligations for intermediaries. The minister added that a parliamentary committee has examined the issue and offered recommendations, which may shape future regulatory steps.
Officials said further consultations with industry stakeholders are ongoing, and additional measures could be introduced once the discussions conclude.