Overview
- Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh said at Davos the state is studying Australia’s under‑16 ban and believes a strong legal enactment is needed, the first formal signal from an Indian state.
- The UK House of Lords backed an amendment to bar under‑16s from social media by 261–150, sending the measure to the Commons as the government conducts a three‑month consultation.
- Canadian federal officials have drafted plans to include an under‑14 social media ban in a forthcoming online harms bill, with cabinet expected to consider the proposal as early as next month, The Globe and Mail reported.
- Experts and industry figures warn enforcement will be difficult, citing age‑verification hurdles, VPN workarounds, privacy concerns and calls for a dedicated regulator.
- Australia’s law, in force since December 10, requires platforms to verify users are at least 16 and has led to millions of accounts being deactivated or restricted, with large fines for serious non‑compliance.