Parliament Proposes Bill to Restrict Children Under 13 from Creating Accounts on Social Media and Gaming Platforms

In a move toward enhancing child safety online, a private member’s bill has been introduced in the Indian Parliament that aims to restrict children under the age of 13 from creating accounts on social media and online gaming platforms without parental consent. The bill, proposed by a Member of Parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeks to impose stricter regulations on how minors engage with digital content and aims to protect them from potential exploitation and inappropriate content.

If passed, the legislation would also prohibit advertisers from targeting minors with personalized ads, further safeguarding childrens online experiences. The bill reflects growing concerns over the risks associated with social media usage among young users, including exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying.

Currently, many social media platforms have age restrictions in place; however, enforcement and compliance can be challenging. This proposed legislation aims to provide a clearer legal framework to ensure that children are protected online while also emphasizing the role of parents in overseeing their childrens digital interactions.

India is not alone in considering such measures, as various governments around the world are increasingly focused on regulating online spaces to enhance child safety. The outcomes of these discussions in Parliament could set a precedent for similar regulations in other parts of the globe.

As the debate continues, experts in child psychology and digital safety are being consulted to assess the potential impacts of such legislation on children and their online engagement.