Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has said that the role of social media should not be seen only in terms of technology or convenience, but from the perspective of its impact on the society. He said that there should be a clear assessment of what effect this is having on the social trust and harmony built over thousands of years.
In an interview to PTI, Vaishnav said that the recent Economic Survey has correctly put forward many important questions related to online platforms. Social media has become a major source of information, reach and learning today, but its benefits are meaningful only when the content is trustworthy and the platforms fulfill their responsibilities.
Concern about the impact on children
The minister raised the question whether social media is increasing trust in the society or creating tension and conflict. He said that it is important to see whether the platforms are adding value to the society or weakening the social fabric. Vaishnav was answering a question on the government’s stance, in which concern has been expressed about the negative impact of online platforms, especially on children. He said that it is necessary to check how reliable the content available on the platforms is and whether the necessary investigation is being done as per the prescribed rules or not.
in economic survey Age-based access recommendations
The Economic Survey 2025-26 suggests that age-based access to online platforms should be considered. Besides, it has also been said to limit online studies to prevent addiction to social media. The survey also said that schools should play an important role in improving the digital habits of children and promote simple devices for education, so that children stay away from harmful content. The survey recommends implementing stricter age verification and age-appropriate settings for social media, betting apps, auto-play features and targeted ads.
Discussion is happening in the states also
Speaking to the media after the release of the survey, Chief Economic Advisor V Ananth Nageswaran said that Andhra Pradesh and Goa governments are considering a policy regarding age-based online access. However, he said that not only policy, but society, school and parents also have an important role in this. On the question of making a law on children’s social media use like Australia, Nageswaran said that he is not aware of any concrete plan of the Indian government on this.
Recommendation to fix accountability of platforms
Last month, Ashwini Vaishnav had said that social media companies should take responsibility for their content. He said that the Parliamentary Standing Committee has already recommended strict laws to fix accountability of platforms. The Parliamentary Committee on Information and Broadcasting Ministry has also recommended making social media and intermediary platforms more accountable to prevent fake news and misinformation.
