India Considers Australia-Style Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Madras High Court Suggests Law

• Madras High Court advised the Indian government to consider a law banning social media for children under 16, similar to Australia's recent legislation.
• Australia became the first country to ban social media for under-16s, requiring platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to remove minor accounts or face fines up to $33 million.
• The suggestion arose from a PIL by S. Vijayakumar concerning easy access to pornographic content for children and the need for parental controls.
• The Court highlighted the significant dangers children face online and stressed the need for intensified awareness campaigns until a law is enacted.
• Authorities were reprimanded for not adequately fulfilling their responsibilities in spreading awareness about child rights and protection.

Why It Matters: India may follow Australia's lead in banning social media for children under 16 to protect them online.