- The government is developing new digital safety measures to protect online users.
- Lokesh who serves as both the Education Minister and IT Minister has instructed his staff to draft legislation which will prohibit social media access for children who are younger than 13 years. The proposal aims to improve online safety for young users.
- He proposed specific usage guidelines which would apply to users between the ages of 13 and 16. The rules will guarantee that users can access content which matches their developmental stage.
Meeting on Child Online Safety
Undavalli hosted a ministerial meeting to address digital safety issues. At the meeting Lokesh issued various directives to the staff members.
The discussion produced these main outcomes which were summarized as follows:
- Draft a law to limit social media access for children under 13
- Create content guidelines for users aged 13–16
- Study digital safety laws from other states and countries
- Launch awareness programs on social media impact
- Appoint an Adjudicating Officer under Section 46 of the IT Act
Action Against Harmful Content
The government will enforce strict penalties against users who share abusive content which includes hate speech and attacks on women according to Lokesh. He emphasized the importance of developing effective systems which monitor situations and create immediate solutions.
Role of Social Media Platforms
The meeting included delegates from major social media platforms who provided their present safety protocols along with their process for handling complaints.
The company presented three main components which included:
- Existing filters to block sensitive content
- Tools to manage user complaints
- Safety measures for younger users
The companies assured full support for the government’s plans.
Participation of Other Ministers
The discussion included multiple ministers who participated through their presence at the meeting which included:
- Anita
- Nadendla Manohar
- Satya Kumar Yadav
They approved the proposals while they evaluated the measures which would enhance online safety for children.
