Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Australia's decision to bar children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, describing the country's efforts to regulate the digital ecosystem and safeguard young users as an example for India and the wider world. He said India was "learning a lot" from Australia's legislation and its broader approach to creating a safer online environment for children.
Addressing the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit in Melbourne, PM Modi commended Australia's policies on information technology regulation and online safety, particularly initiatives aimed at protecting children from the adverse effects of social media.
"The way you are introducing reforms in laws related to information technology and social media, while working to protect society, is truly inspiring for the world. We are learning a great deal from your efforts and drawing many lessons from them," PM Modi said in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other dignitaries.
The Prime Minister's comments come as Australia presses ahead with one of the world's strictest social media laws, requiring major platforms to prevent users under the age of 16 from opening accounts. The legislation seeks to address concerns surrounding online harm, cyberbullying and the impact of social media on children's mental health.
His remarks are particularly significant as similar proposals gain traction in India. Karnataka has recently proposed banning social media access for children below the age of 16, while Andhra Pradesh has indicated that it is also considering introducing comparable restrictions.
Continuing his address in Melbourne, PM Modi highlighted the role of young people in strengthening India-Australia relations, saying that increasing engagement between the youth of both countries was creating a model that could have a positive influence around the world.
"What is especially encouraging is that our younger generations are growing together. The warmth, hospitality and respect that Indian youth have received here are remarkable. The coming together and shared growth of the youth of our two countries is becoming an important laboratory for the world, one that can have a profoundly positive impact on this century," he said.
Emphasising the strength of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister referred to a well-known analogy often used in India.
"As you rightly said, if one is added to one, it becomes two. But when one stands beside another, it becomes eleven. In the truest sense, India and Australia are standing together today. Therefore, one next to one is not becoming two; one next to one is becoming eleven," he said, drawing applause from the audience.
PM Modi added that the India-Australia partnership was entering a new phase of deeper cooperation across sectors including trade, defence, technology, space and maritime security. He said the similarities between the two nations placed them in a unique position to contribute to global progress and noted that emerging areas such as maritime security and outer space presented significant opportunities for future collaboration.
