New Delhi: A private member’s bill proposing restrictions on children under 13 using social media and gaming platforms is set to be introduced during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
The move comes amid growing global concern that social media can cause psychological harm to children, prompting several countries to introduce age-based controls. Similar discussions have been underway in India for the past few months.
The bill has been proposed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. It was among two private member’s bills scheduled to be introduced in Parliament, but the items were deferred and the proposal was not taken up for discussion.
As per the draft, children below 13 would be barred from creating accounts on social media and gaming apps without parental consent. While private member’s bills rarely become law—only 12 have been passed so far—MPs across party lines have expressed support.
If enacted, platforms that violate the provisions could face fines of up to Rs 10 crore. Repeated or wilful violations could lead to temporary suspension or blocking of services under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
