Relevance: GS-2 (Governance, Digital Safety, Regulation of Big Tech) • Source: Reuters; Australian Govt. Policy Briefs

Context : Australia has introduced the world’s first nationwide ban on social media platforms for children below 16, reflecting global concerns about the mental-health and safety risks of unregulated digital exposure.

The Ban & Its Rationale

Ten major platforms must block under-16 users using age-inference tools, failing which they face fines up to A$49.5 million.
The government cites evidence linking social media with anxiety, attention disorders, body-image issues, addictive algorithms, and harmful content.
The measure also signals a push by governments to regulate Big Tech accountability, data practices, and algorithmic influence.

Lessons for India

• NCERT and UNICEF studies show high screen addiction, cyberbullying, and declining adolescent mental health in India.
  
• India may explore age-appropriate design codes, verifiable age-gating, and stricter enforcement under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
  
• Any future Indian framework must balance child safety, digital inclusion, and constitutional rights under Articles 19 and 21.
  

Q. Which of the following mechanisms can be used by governments to regulate child safety on digital platforms?

1. Age-verification and parental-consent systems
   
2. Algorithmic transparency requirements
   
3. Mandatory risk-assessment for online harms
   

Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3