India considers social media ban for minors, but enforcement challenges loom

The Indian state of Karnataka is contemplating a ban on social media access for children under 16, a move announced during state budget discussions in March that has garnered both strong support and criticism worldwide. However, the practical enforceability of such a ban is questionable, as teenagers are already adept at circumventing restrictions.

A 16-year-old's experience illustrates this point: she maintains two Instagram accounts. One is public-facing for family, while the second, created years ago, serves as her private online space for unfiltered interactions with friends. This behavior stems from a natural teenage desire for privacy, not fear of bans, suggesting that any implemented rules will merely drive such activities further underground.

Authorities are responding to a serious issue. India leads globally in reported cyberbullying cases, with a McAfee survey indicating 85% of Indian children have experienced it, far exceeding global averages. Forms of harassment, including racist and sexual abuse, and threats of physical harm, are significantly higher than the international norm. The documented harm impacts mental health, academic performance, and tragically, can even lead to loss of life.

While the government's urgency is understandable, the implementation details remain unclear. Legal experts question the state government's constitutional authority, as digital regulation typically falls under the central government's purview. Globally, similar measures, like Australia's ban on social media for under-16s, have shown limited success. A 2026 survey found most Australian teens retained access, primarily because platforms failed to enforce age restrictions effectively.