Parliamentary Committee Calls for Social Media Age Limits and AI Regulation Law
A parliamentary committee in India is poised to recommend that the government explore introducing age restrictions for social media platforms, a move that would provide legislative backing to efforts aimed at limiting children's exposure to these digital spaces. This suggestion emerges as countries worldwide increasingly consider similar measures to protect minors online.
Committee's Recommendations and Legislative Push
The Parliament's Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has adopted a report that is expected to be tabled in Parliament on Monday. According to sources familiar with the development, the committee has not specified a particular age bracket but is clearly targeting children with its proposal. This initiative aligns with growing calls within India, including from state governments, to ban social media for minors below a certain age.
In addition to social media restrictions, the panel has urged the government to consider enacting a comprehensive law to prevent the misuse of Artificial Intelligence. It cited examples of stringent and binding AI regulations already implemented in several countries as a model for India to follow.
Concerns Over AI Misuse and Cybercrime
The committee emphasized the ethical and responsible use of AI, highlighting its deployment in financial frauds, intimidation tactics, and the creation of deepfake audios and videos. While acknowledging government steps to curb such incidents and protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, the panel stressed the need for stronger legal frameworks.
During committee meetings, members from across party lines raised alarms about the escalating danger of cybercrimes, which have in many cases resulted in people losing their lifelong savings—incidents that have made national headlines. They called for stringent countermeasures to address these threats, which currently fall under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act.
Global Context and State-Level Actions
The panel noted that Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts, sparking demands for similar policies in other nations. Several European countries are currently in the process of formulating related legislation. In India, states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have advocated for banning social media use among certain age groups, though no nationwide policy exists yet.
Official sources indicated that the committee's reference to "certain platforms" is directed at social media and its adverse effects on children. While the government recognizes the issue, it has so far focused on expressing concerns and building consensus on how to tackle the challenge.
AI's Positive Potential and Educational Initiatives
The committee also highlighted the beneficial aspects of AI, stating that its efficient use could help resolve "problems of humanity" and assist common people through integration into sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, industry, and infrastructure development. It urged the Ministry of Electronics and IT to promote specialized AI studies and courses, popularize AI education from lower school standards through colleges and PhD programs, and work toward establishing data centers and AI labs across the country.
This dual approach—regulating AI misuse while fostering its positive applications—reflects a balanced perspective on technological advancement and public safety.
