AP invites SM giants to GoM meet to finalise strategy to cut use by kids
Lokesh says trust in social media platforms is steadily eroding
image for illustrative purpose
Amaravati: After announcing its intention to stop the extensive use of social media by children up to a certain age, Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to invite social media giants to the next meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sometime ago after serious concerns over the misuse of the online platforms in several quarters.
In a decisive move to address growing concerns over online safety, the State Government on Thursday announced that major global social media platforms will be invited to the next meeting of the GoM on Social Media to deliberate on making digital platforms safer - especially for women and children.
Chairing the GoM meeting, Minister for Education, IT & Electronics, Nara Lokesh, said that trust in social media platforms is steadily eroding, with children increasingly slipping into excessive and addictive usage that is adversely impacting their education and attention spans, while women continue to face relentless online abuse and harassment.
“This situation cannot be ignored any longer,” the Minister asserted, underlining the government’s commitment to proactive and responsible digital governance.
He also took to X, to mention that as part of the roadmap outlined by the GoM, Andhra Pradesh Government has ordered a comprehensive study of existing legal frameworks, with a special focus on age-appropriate access to social media platforms.
The study will include a detailed, country-wise analysis of global best practices adopted across multiple jurisdictions.He said on X : "Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored."
In a key step towards collaborative regulation, representatives of leading social media and technology companies--including Meta, X, Google and ShareChat - will be invited to participate in the upcoming GoM meeting.
The engagement will focus on platform accountability, safeguards for minors, mechanisms to curb online abuse, and evolving international norms in digital governance.
