By Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Australia’s decision to introduce strict age-based restrictions on social media, describing the country’s approach to online safety as an example for the world. His remarks, made during his bilateral visit to Australia, have also sparked fresh discussions about India’s own plans to strengthen safeguards for children and teenagers in the digital space.
Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi highlighted Australia’s legislative efforts to regulate social media platforms and protect young users from harmful online content. The comments are being viewed as one of the strongest public indications yet that India is actively examining similar policy measures.
Addressing the media, Modi said he had closely followed Australia’s work in the fields of information technology and digital safety. He praised the country’s efforts to create a safer online environment, noting that its legislative approach was inspiring governments around the world.
Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, 2024 requires social media companies to verify users’ ages and prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing their platforms. The law has attracted global attention as governments increasingly debate how to protect minors from online risks while balancing digital freedoms.
Although the Indian government has not announced any comparable legislation, officials in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) have previously indicated that various policy options are under consideration. Rather than imposing a complete ban, discussions have reportedly focused on introducing a graded regulatory framework based on different age groups.
Under such an approach, younger users could be allowed limited access to digital platforms while being shielded from categories of content considered inappropriate for their age. The objective would be to improve online safety without entirely restricting access to educational and communication tools.
The issue of children’s digital well-being has gained increasing importance as social media usage among teenagers continues to rise. Policymakers in several countries are exploring stronger regulations aimed at reducing exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, online addiction and privacy risks.
Modi’s remarks in Australia add momentum to the broader conversation around responsible technology governance. While no formal proposal has yet been unveiled by the Centre, his endorsement of Australia’s model suggests that child safety in the digital ecosystem remains an important area of policy focus.
Any future framework adopted by India is expected to consider the country’s unique digital landscape, balancing innovation, online access and the need to create a safer internet experience for young users.
