NEW DELHI – Karnataka, a southern Indian state known for hosting the technology hub Bengaluru, has implemented a groundbreaking restriction prohibiting minors under 16 from accessing social media platforms, according to an announcement made Friday by the state’s Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who goes by a single name, revealed this historic decision during his budget address on Friday, making Karnataka the first Indian state to enact such a comprehensive ban.
“With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16,” Siddaramaiah stated during his speech.
The announcement positions Karnataka as a pioneer in addressing concerns about young people’s exposure to social media platforms and excessive screen time, particularly significant given the state’s prominence as India’s technology capital.
