Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government is examining the possibility of restricting access to social media platforms for children below the age of 16, a step that could make the State one of the first in India to explore such regulations, inspired by recent legislation enacted in Australia.
Tourism and Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte said the State has initiated a review of Australia’s Online Safety Amendment Act, which prevents minors from holding accounts on popular social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X. He said officials have already gathered relevant documentation and discussions will be held with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to assess whether a similar framework can be introduced in Goa.
“If feasible, we will explore implementing a comparable restriction,” Khaunte told reporters, indicating that the matter is still at a preliminary stage.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of increasing concern over excessive screen time among children and the nature of content being consumed online. Authorities have observed that minors are spending long hours on mobile phones, often exposed to material that is either inappropriate or restricted. In recent years, Goa has also recorded instances of cyber-related offences involving children.
“Children are constantly on their phones — during meals, while watching television, and even when spending time with family,” Khaunte said, noting that social media platforms are intruding deeply into personal and family spaces, placing psychological pressure on young users.
He added that the government is currently evaluating whether any such restriction can be enforced at the State level within the framework of India’s existing information technology laws.
Goa’s move follows similar indications from Andhra Pradesh, where Information Technology and Education Minister Nara Lokesh recently announced the formation of a high-level committee of senior ministers to study the feasibility of introducing an age threshold for social media use, modeled on Australia’s approach. The committee is expected to submit its findings within a month.
Australia’s legislation mandates that age-restricted platforms take adequate measures to ensure users are at least 16 years old. It requires the removal of accounts operated by underage users, mechanisms to prevent rule evasion, and safeguards to reinstate accounts that are mistakenly taken down. The law has attracted global attention, with the United Kingdom also signalling that it is considering similar regulations.
