Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, calling it a global example of responsible digital governance.
Speaking at the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne, Modi said Australia’s efforts to regulate social media and protect young users were inspiring. “The way you are bringing changes in laws related to information technology and social media, and working to protect society, is highly inspiring for the world. We are learning a lot from your efforts,” he said while addressing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders.
Modi’s remarks came as India and Australia signed key agreements covering civil nuclear energy, maritime security, and critical minerals. The summit also marked progress in bilateral cooperation on technology and youth safety.
Australia’s landmark law, enacted in December 2025, prohibits children under 16 from holding accounts on platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. Companies must take reasonable steps to verify user age and prevent underage access.
The legislation has drawn global attention amid rising concerns about social media’s impact on children’s mental health and online safety. Modi said India was studying Australia’s model to strengthen its own digital safety framework.
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, are exploring similar restrictions to safeguard minors online.
