BJP MP lists private bill on social media ban for children
The Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (Shield) Bill, 2025, listed by Baijayant Panda says no child under 13 years shall create an account on any social media or online gaming platform without verified parental consent, and that every intermediary shall provide parental control dashboards
BJP MP Baijayant Panda introduced a private member's Bill in the Lok Sabha last week, titled 'Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (Shield) Bill, 2025'. The Bill aims to regulate social media usage for children under 13 years old. Mr. Panda argued that many social media algorithms are designed to foster addiction and reinforce narrow viewpoints, which is particularly harmful for young teenagers and children.
The Bill requires platforms to provide parental control dashboards and parental consent for account creation, as well as a reporting button for harmful content. Violations of the Act could result in penalties of up to ₹10 crore, and repeated offenses may lead to service suspension or blocking. The Bill also mandates an annual child safety and risk assessment process.
As more countries introduce legislation restricting social media usage by children, Panda's Bill appears to be a timely effort in India.
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