India's IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the country is exploring age-based restrictions for social media platforms, during a global AI conference in New Delhi. This move comes after several countries, including Australia and France, have enacted or proposed regulations to limit access to these platforms for minors. The push for stricter rules reflects a growing international consensus on the need for protective measures in the digital space.

In Australia, laws were introduced in December requiring major social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to remove accounts held by users under 16 years of age, with significant fines for non-compliance. France is also progressing towards similar restrictions, having passed a bill banning social media use for those under 15, awaiting further legislative approval. These developments indicate a shifting landscape as various governments prioritize the safety of younger users in online environments.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that age-based regulation is gaining acceptance worldwide, noting that discussions are also underway about deepfake regulations. He highlighted the importance of creating a safe digital environment amid anticipated significant investments in artificial intelligence, projected to reach $200 billion in the next two years. This conversation marks an important step in aligning India with international trends in digital governance, particularly concerning youth safety.