The Karnataka government has announced in its 2026-27 State budget that children below 16 years will be barred from accessing social media. The restriction will cover platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. The move comes amid similar steps abroad: Indonesia has notified a regulation under which accounts of under-16 users on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Roblox will be gradually deactivated from 28 March 2026 to curb cyberbullying, addiction and online risks. Australia and Spain have similar curbs, and Malaysia plans an under-16 ban from 2026.