Bengaluru: The southern Indian state of Karnataka has announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, as the government seeks to address concerns about online addiction and the impact of digital platforms on young people.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed the proposal while presenting the state budget for the financial year 2026 to 2027. The government said the decision is aimed at protecting children from harmful online content and reducing excessive use of smartphones and social media.
Officials in the state have expressed growing concern about the mental health impact of social media on teenagers, including issues such as anxiety, cyberbullying and addiction to online platforms. The proposed ban is part of a broader effort by the government to promote safer internet use among young people.
Karnataka, which is home to the technology hub of Bengaluru, plays a major role in India’s digital economy. Many global technology companies operate from the city, making the state one of the most important centres for the country’s technology industry.
However, the government has not yet explained how the ban will be implemented or when it will come into effect. Details about enforcement and possible penalties are expected to be discussed once the proposal is introduced in the state assembly.
Technology experts say enforcing age restrictions online could be difficult because children may create accounts using false information. Some digital rights groups have also suggested that education and parental guidance may be more effective than a complete ban.
The announcement has also drawn cautious reactions from technology companies. Some industry representatives warn that strict bans could push teenagers to unregulated online spaces rather than making the internet safer.
Karnataka’s move comes at a time when governments around the world are debating how to regulate children’s access to social media. Several countries have begun considering stricter rules as concerns grow about the impact of digital platforms on young users.
India is one of the largest social media markets in the world, with hundreds of millions of users across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.