Will Instagram-Youtube be closed for children? Preparation for age restriction in India on the lines of Australia, Ashwini Vaishnav’s big statement: – ..

New Delhi. Will children below 16 years of age no longer be able to use social media in India? The Central Government now seems to be in a mixed mood regarding the digital security of children and teenagers. ongoing in Bharat Mandapam, Delhi ‘India AI Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has made a big announcement during the ‘Impact Summit 2026’. He has confirmed that the Indian government is now seriously considering imposing age-based restrictions on social media platforms like Australia.

Big decision amid threats of deepfakes and ‘digital arrest’

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav made it clear in the press conference that social media is no longer just a means of entertainment, but many serious dangers are also associated with it.

Why is restriction necessary: In the recent past, there has been a huge increase in incidents like deepfakes, ‘digital arrest’ and online blackmailing of children.

Global trends: The Minister said that many developed countries of the world have now accepted that setting age limit for social media is the need of the hour. The government is currently in talks with various tech companies to implement these rules. ‘Effective and foolproof’ A method can be found.

Australia became an inspiration: These countries already have strict rules

India’s move is an attempt to join the ranks of countries that have made stringent laws for the future of their children:

Australia: Social media to be completely banned for children under 16 years of age in December 2025 world’s first country Made.

Spain and Denmark: Spain has recently approved proposals to set the age limit at 16 years and Denmark at 15 years.

Britain: The UK has also recently announced new and strict rules regarding children’s ‘digital safety’.

Tension will increase for tech giants: Meta and Google will be affected

India is the largest digital market in the world. Here Meta (Facebook, Instagram) And youtube Has the highest number of users.

Large User Base: If there is a ban on children under 16 years of age, then there will be a direct and big impact on the user base and advertising revenue of these companies.

Strict Regulation: The Union Minister clarified that although he is not targeting any particular company, there will be no compromise on safety and regulation.

How will this rule be implemented?

Experts believe that implementing it in India will be a big challenge. For this, ‘Age Verification Technology’ can be used, in which age verification through Aadhaar or any other government document may be mandatory. The government is also seeing that the privacy of the users is not violated in this process.