Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed a ban on social media use for individuals under age 16 during the state's 2026-27 budget presentation. The government cited digital addiction and the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone usage on child well-being as the primary drivers for the policy.
Karnataka is the first Indian state to formally announce such a restriction. This move aligns with a growing global trend of increased regulatory scrutiny regarding minors' access to digital platforms.
India represents the largest global market for Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Although the government has not announced an effective date, the proposal would necessitate the implementation of robust age-verification systems. These measures could significantly impact user growth strategies for social media companies operating in the region.