NEW DELHI, Feb 1: An ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a bill that would ban children under 16 from using social media, as India, the world’s largest market for platforms such as Meta and YouTube, joins a global debate on the impact of online platforms on young people’s health and safety.

L.S.K. Devarayalu, a lawmaker from the Telugu Desam Party, told Reuters on Friday that Indian children are “becoming addicted to social media” and that the country is one of the world’s largest producers of user data for foreign platforms. He said these companies use the data to develop advanced artificial intelligence systems while the strategic and economic benefits are gained elsewhere.

Devarayalu’s 15-page Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill, reviewed by Reuters, proposes that no one under 16 “shall be permitted to create, maintain, or hold” a social media account, with platforms required to disable accounts that violate the rule. The bill places full responsibility for age verification on social media companies.

Australia last month became the first country to block social media for children under 16, a move praised by parents and child advocates but criticized by tech companies and free-speech groups. France’s National Assembly this week approved legislation banning social media for children under 15, while Britain, Denmark, Greece, Indonesia, and Malaysia are studying similar restrictions.

India, with roughly a billion internet users and 750 million smartphones, currently sets no minimum age for social media access. Goa state authorities are reportedly examining the Australian model, with Infotech Minister Rohan Khaunte saying the state may implement a ban for children under 16. Andhra Pradesh, with a population of more than 53 million, is also exploring similar measures and has established a panel of senior ministers to study global regulations and provide recommendations within a month.

Meta, YouTube-owner Alphabet, and X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Meta spokesperson said the company supports parental oversight laws but cautioned that bans could push teens toward “less safe, unregulated sites.”

Devarayalu’s bill is a private member’s proposal, not introduced by a federal minister, but such legislation can spark parliamentary debate and influence government policy. India’s chief economic adviser recently highlighted the need for age-based restrictions to address “digital addiction.”