Karnataka says it will ban social media for children under-16

If implemented, Karnataka would become the first state to have such a ban. Previously, Andhra Pradesh had announced it will consider a similar restriction.

Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Reddit applications are displayed on a mobile phone ahead of new law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia, in this picture illustration taken on December 9, 2025 | Reuters

New Delhi: The southern Indian state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, has banned the use of social media by those under the age of 16, state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday, becoming the first in India to do so.

“With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16,” Siddaramaiah, who uses only one name, said in his budget speech.

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