Government to Review Age-Based Access to Combat Digital Addiction

The Economic Survey recommends age-based access to online platforms to reduce digital addiction. The government will review suggestions, considering measures like age verification and promoting simpler devices for children. An alarm over online gaming addiction follows the Ghaziabad triple suicide, urging a call for policy intervention.

The Indian government is poised to review suggestions from the latest Economic Survey regarding age-based access to online platforms, aiming to combat digital addiction. IT Secretary S Krishnan confirmed that various perspectives will be evaluated to formulate an approach.

The Economic Survey emphasized the importance of age verification on online platforms to address the growing concern of digital addiction, particularly among minors. It advocated for simpler devices geared towards educational content, underscoring the need for platforms to assume responsibility for enforcing age-appropriate defaults.

This move is especially pertinent in light of the recent alarm triggered by the Ghaziabad triple suicide, where three minor sisters allegedly died due to online gaming addiction. The survey also highlighted international measures and emphasized a collaborative approach involving civil society and educational institutions alongside policy interventions.

(With inputs from agencies.)