The Karnataka state government will seek recommendations from the Centre on restricting or banning social media access for children, according to a report by Deccan Herald cited by medianama.com. This move follows the Supreme Court’s October 15 order against blanket social media bans and age-based restrictions. Karnataka’s Department of School Education & Literacy plans to ask the state Cabinet for guidance next month on regulating social media use in educational settings.
Unnamed state officials told Deccan Herald that social media bans fall under the Centre’s jurisdiction, limiting Karnataka’s ability to enforce restrictions beyond devices it controls, such as those in schools. The state intends to regulate computer usage within schools and colleges but acknowledges that a comprehensive social media ban requires central government intervention. Rashmi V Mahesh, Karnataka’s Additional Chief Secretary of School Education & Literacy, referenced the Supreme Court order in discussions about the state’s approach.
The Supreme Court’s October 15 ruling, delivered by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Chandran, emphasized that the right to access and use the internet is fundamental, rejecting blanket bans on social media and age-based restrictions. This ruling constrains state governments from imposing wide-ranging social media bans, underscoring the need for central government policy on such matters. Karnataka’s move to seek the Centre’s advice aligns with this legal framework and highlights the challenges states face in regulating digital access.
Karnataka’s Department of School Education & Literacy is expected to present its recommendations to the state Cabinet next month, focusing on regulating social media use on devices under state control within educational institutions, according to medianama.com.