In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the mental health of the younger generation, the Goa government announced on January 26, 2026, that it is actively exploring a proposal to ban social media use for children under the age of 16.
The proposal, confirmed by Goa’s Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte, draws direct inspiration from Australia’s landmark Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which came into effect in late 2025.
1. The Rationale: Mental Health & AI Readiness
The Goa IT Department and Ministry of Tourism initiated this study following a surge in complaints from parents regarding the negative impact of digital platforms.
- Reducing Distractions: Minister Khaunte highlighted that social media has become a “large personal space” that distracts children from education and family time.
- AI Focus: The government believes that in an era increasingly defined by Artificial Intelligence, children need to be more focused on educational technology rather than addictive algorithms to become “good citizens.”
- Cyberbullying: By restricting access, the state aims to curb the rising instances of online bullying and social anxiety among middle-school and high-school students.
2. The Australian Model: A Blueprint for Goa
Goa is currently analyzing the technical and legal frameworks of Australia’s legislation to see how they can be adapted to Indian state laws.
| Feature | Australian Law (Reference) | Goa’s Proposed Adoption |
| Minimum Age | 16 Years | 16 Years |
| Platforms | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Snapchat | Targeting the same “Major Platforms.” |
| Responsibility | Onus on tech companies, not parents. | Likely to follow the same enforcement model. |
| Exemptions | Education and messaging (e.g., WhatsApp). | Currently under study; likely to exclude Google Classroom. |
3. Legal and Implementation Challenges
While the intent is clear, implementing a state-wide ban in India presents unique hurdles:
- Constitutional Validity: The Goa government is investigating whether a state-wide restriction is legally viable under India’s Central IT Act and if it infringes on digital rights.
- Age Verification: The state will need to determine how platforms should verify age without compromising user privacy or requiring intrusive data collection.
- State vs. National Policy: Currently, India has no national minimum age for social media. Goa’s move, alongside Andhra Pradesh (which set up a similar Ministerial panel in January 2026), could pressure the Central Government to create a national framework.
4. Timeline and Next Steps
The proposal is currently in the “active study” phase:
- Cabinet Discussion: Minister Khaunte is set to discuss the findings with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the coming weeks.
- Assembly Statement: A formal statement or a draft bill is expected to be presented before the next Goa Legislative Assembly session in early 2026.
- Public Consultation: The government has hinted at holding dialogues with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and technology experts, before finalizing the order.
Conclusion: A Shift Toward Digital Protectionism
Goa’s deliberation signals a growing trend among Indian states to take proactive measures in the digital sphere where national policy is silent. If implemented, Goa would become the first state in India to legally mandate an age-based barrier to social media, marking a historic shift in how the country manages the intersection of technology and youth development.
