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India social media regulation developments

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-29 20:43 UTC → 2026-09-30 15:45 UTC · added removed

The Indian government is moving toward increased regulation of digital platforms and social media usage. Initially, the administration focused on internal governance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directing bureaucrats to examine a ‘social media code of conduct’ for government officials. This proposed code aims officials to prevent employees from using platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram to glorify their the glorification of positions or post the posting of undesirable content while on duty. Following this, the regulatory Regulatory focus expanded to public has since shifted toward the safety and legal compliance. The central government is planning of minors. Following a petition by the NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, discussions emerged regarding potential amendments to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to restrict social media access for individuals those under 18. This development follows a petition by the NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, which raised concerns regarding the safety of minors and the legal validity of social media contracts entered into by children. The Supreme Court of India has urged the central government to examine whether establish a statutory framework can be established to ensure digital platforms comply with domestic laws. The laws rather than relying on voluntary guidelines. During court emphasized proceedings, Justice Bagchi noted that social media companies should not merely follow voluntary guidelines but must fashion their software and registration processes to conform platforms often apply US-based restrictions to the Indian digital space, which may not align with local legal standards. Key discussions include However, the implementation Ministry of mandatory age-verification mechanisms Electronics and Information Technology has recently denied reports that the government plans to prevent minors from independently creating accounts. impose such restrictions, labeling claims of upcoming age-based curbs as ‘fake’ and without basis. While standard commercial social networks may face strict age thresholds, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated a need to control intermediaries, the government indicated maintains that educational or academic websites might remain accessible through explicit parental consent. no formal proposal to amend the IT Rules to prevent minors from opening accounts is currently under consideration.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-30 15:45 UTC India social media regulation developments
  2. 2026-09-29 20:43 UTC India social media regulation developments
  3. 2026-09-29 13:16 UTC India social media regulation developments

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