- Andhra Pradesh is preparing a regulatory framework to restrict social media access for children under 13.
- The state plans age verification tools and a graded digital access system for teenagers.
- Officials aim to strengthen child safety through education and global best practi
Andhra Pradesh government plans to draft a comprehensive regulatory framework imposing strict restrictions on social media access for children below 13 years.
To ensure age-appropriate digital use for teenagers, the state government is planning to install age verification technology in the form of "age tokens" integrated with DigiLocker in the new structure.
By enabling verification of authentic user age, the government believes incidents of privacy breaches can be prevented and children will be protected from harmful content.
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The initiative is being led by Education, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh, who chaired a high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting with representatives from major social media platforms, on Thursday, according to a report in The Hindu.
The new law is aimed at securing the state's digital future. Lokesh emphasised that the proposed legislation must harmonise three critical pillars— Child Safety, Creativity, and Mental Well-being, as per The Economic Times.
A "Graded Access" model has been proposed, with children under 13 years facing total restriction, while those aged 13 to 16 years being granted access to a "Safe Mode" digital environment.
To build a "robust technological framework" in the state, the draft will be prepared based on existing laws in Denmark, Australia, and Singapore.
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Recognising that laws alone cannot change digital habits, Lokesh has mandated the inclusion of digital safety modules in the state's education system. This includes leveraging the "No Bag Day" initiative and the biennial Mega PTMs to reach millions of families directly, ensuring a unified front against cyber risks.
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