Andhra Pradesh Govt Orders Study on Age-Appropriate Social Media Access
Government Flags Erosion of Trust Online
The Andhra Pradesh government has expressed concern over the growing impact of social media on society, particularly its effects on children and women. The government noted that excessive and unregulated use of social media platforms is affecting children’s attention spans and educational outcomes, while women continue to face persistent online abuse.
Officials said these trends point to a broader breakdown of trust in digital platforms and require structured policy intervention rather than piecemeal responses.
Group of Ministers Takes Up Regulatory Review
At a meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Social Media, the state government decided to initiate a detailed study of existing legal frameworks to assess options for age-appropriate access to social media platforms. The objective, officials said, is to examine whether current laws and regulatory mechanisms adequately address the risks posed to minors.
The study will focus on legal provisions that can balance access to digital platforms with safeguards for children, without disrupting legitimate use.
Platforms to Be Consulted on Global Practices
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As part of the next phase, the GoM has decided to invite major social media and technology platforms, including Meta, X, Google, and ShareChat, to participate in the next meeting. The government plans to engage with these companies to understand global best practices adopted in other jurisdictions.
Officials said the discussions will examine how different countries regulate age access, content moderation, and user safety, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups.
Focus on the Safety of Women and Children
The government reiterated that its primary focus is to ensure that social media platforms function as safer digital spaces. Special attention will be given to measures that can reduce online harassment and abuse targeting women, as well as excessive and compulsive usage among children.
The initiative, the government said, is aimed at long-term policy development rather than immediate regulatory action. The findings of the legal and comparative study are expected to inform future decisions on whether new guidelines or statutory measures are required.
The Andhra Pradesh government indicated that it would continue consultations with stakeholders before taking any further steps, underlining that the issue involves complex legal, social, and technological considerations.
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