Social Media Must Be Judged on Trust and Social Harmony, Says Minister
India’s Union Minister for Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has called for a deeper evaluation of social media platforms beyond their technological convenience. He emphasized that these platforms must be assessed through the lens of social harmony and the centuries-old trust that binds communities together. According to Vaishnaw, the core question is whether digital platforms add value to society or erode its foundational fabric.
Platforms Must Be Held Accountable for Their Impact
Speaking in a recent interview, Vaishnaw noted that the latest Economic Survey has rightly raised critical concerns about online platforms. While social media has become a powerful tool for information, access, and learning, its benefits are meaningful only when content is trustworthy and platforms accept responsibility for what they host. He stressed that the role of these platforms should not be viewed merely as a matter of convenience but as a force that shapes societal trust and cohesion.
Growing Concerns Over Harmful Effects on Children
The minister posed a fundamental question: Is social media building trust in society, or is it fueling tension and conflict? He argued that it is essential to examine whether platforms are contributing value or weakening the social fabric. Vaishnaw was responding to the government’s growing unease about the negative impact of online platforms, particularly on children. He highlighted the need to verify the reliability of content and ensure that proper checks are being carried out under existing regulations.
Economic Survey Recommends Age-Based Access Controls
The Economic Survey for 2025-26 has proposed considering age-based access restrictions for online platforms. It also suggests limiting online learning exposure to prevent social media addiction. Schools, according to the survey, should play a pivotal role in shaping healthier digital habits among children. The report advocates promoting simpler devices for educational purposes to shield young users from harmful content. Additionally, it recommends strict age verification and age-appropriate settings for social media, betting apps, auto-play features, and targeted advertisements.
State Governments Exploring Age-Based Policies
Following the release of the survey, Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran told the media that state governments in Andhra Pradesh and Goa are already considering policies around age-based online access. However, he noted that effective change requires more than just legislation. Families, schools, and the broader community all have a crucial role to play. When asked about the possibility of introducing laws similar to Australia’s restrictions on children’s social media use, Nageswaran said he was not aware of any concrete plans by the Indian government in that direction.
Calls for Stronger Accountability of Platforms
Last month, Vaishnaw reiterated that social media companies must take ownership of the content on their platforms. He revealed that a parliamentary standing committee has already recommended stricter laws to ensure platform accountability. The parliamentary committee under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also urged greater responsibility for social media and intermediary platforms to curb fake news and misinformation. The push for accountability reflects a broader recognition that digital platforms cannot remain neutral bystanders when their ecosystems directly influence public trust and social stability.
