Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hinted at the state government’s contemplation of limiting social media use for individuals under 16. At the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year 2026 awards, he expressed concerns about the influence of digital platforms on young people. Fadnavis pointed out that social media has transformed from mere entertainment to a mechanism that shapes human thinking.
During an interactive session at the event, Fadnavis highlighted the impact of AI algorithms on social media platforms, emphasizing how they tailor content to individual preferences, potentially narrowing perspectives. He also raised alarm over diminishing attention spans in society, attributing it partly to the prevalence of short video content.
The issue was brought up by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan during an interview, who referenced global trends and states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh considering or implementing bans on social media for minors. Fadnavis acknowledged the ongoing discussions in several states regarding restrictions for individuals aged 16 or 17, stressing the need for a conclusive decision on the matter.
While refraining from an immediate ban announcement, Fadnavis underscored the necessity of addressing the negative impacts of social media on children under 16. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to taking steps in this direction to safeguard young users. The potential move by Maharashtra reflects a broader global discourse on digital safety for minors and signals a tightening of digital regulations in India’s leading industrial state.
