Government Focuses on Child Safety Online
Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up efforts to protect children from the harmful effects of social media. Education, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh instructed officials to frame clear rules to keep minors away from social media platforms until a defined age. He chaired a ministers’ committee meeting at the Secretariat to strengthen accountability in the digital space.
Lokesh said children need a safe and disciplined online environment. He stressed that early exposure to social media affects young minds and encourages unsafe digital behaviour. Therefore, the government plans to introduce firm safeguards that put child safety first.
Studying Global Models Before Final Decision
Lokesh asked officials to study systems followed in countries such as Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and France. He also directed them to consider Supreme Court guidelines while drafting new rules. The ministers agreed that legal clarity and global best practices must guide the policy.
Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar explained that Malaysia allows social media access only for users above 16 years. Authorities there link accounts through digital ID and passport-based e-KYC. The committee discussed this model in detail and agreed to examine similar options.
Crackdown on Fake News and Habitual Offenders
Lokesh warned that the government will act firmly against those who spread fake news or post hateful content using caste, religion, or regional identity. He said habitual offenders will face strict consequences. He also proposed inviting compliance officers from platforms like Google, Meta, and X to the next meeting to ensure cooperation.
To strengthen enforcement, the ministers decided to issue a notification to appoint a state-level adjudicating officer under Section 46 of the IT Act. This move will help speed up action against digital violations.
Strong Cyber Law Enforcement Planned
Officials informed the committee that authorities are already using the central government’s Sahyog portal to act on select cases. The meeting also focused on controlling cybercrime, monitoring repeat digital offenders, and expanding cyber police stations across the state.
The government made it clear that freedom on social media must come with responsibility. Protecting children, stopping fake news, and curbing online hate now stand as top priorities.
The meeting was attended by I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, senior I&PR officials, cybercrime officers, digital media representatives, and prosecution department officials.
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