New Global Crackdown: Council of Europe and Key Nations Move to Restrict Youth Social Media Access
International regulatory bodies and national governments are implementing strict new measures, including under-16 social media bans and AI safety protocols, to protect children from digital exploitation and mental health risks. While countries like Australia and India’s Karnataka state lead with age-based prohibitions, the Council of Europe is addressing emerging threats from AI-generated content to safeguard the “circle of trust” surrounding minors.
RMN Kids Technology Desk
New Delhi | June 3, 2026
International Bodies Address Emerging Digital Threats
The Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Committee recently published its 10th activity report, marking the 15th anniversary of a legally binding treaty designed to protect children from sexual violence. This landmark report highlights significant progress in criminalizing child abuse by individuals in positions of trust and authority. However, the committee is now pivoting to address technological developments that create new challenges for child safety.
A primary concern is the rise of AI-generated child-sexual-abuse material, including “nudifying” tools that can alter clothed photographs into nude images. To combat this, the Council of Europe is hosting thematic dialogues in June 2026 to explore how artificial intelligence impacts the prevention and prosecution of online exploitation. Furthermore, the Council is investigating the direct link between social media exposure and the mental health and well-being of children.
National Bans: Karnataka and Australia Lead the Charge
Parallel to these international efforts, specific regions are moving toward total prohibitions for younger users. On March 6, 2026, the Indian state of Karnataka announced a state-wide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16 as part of its 2026–27 budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cited smartphone addiction, excessive screen exposure, and online safety risks as the primary motivations for this policy.
Similarly, Australia decided to fully implement a mandate banning social media for minors under 16 by the end of 2025. This move follows a successful Age Assurance Technology Trial, which concluded that establishing a user’s age is technologically feasible without significant barriers. While tech giants like Meta, TikTok, and Snap Inc. initially opposed the legislation by questioning the maturity of age-verification tools, the Australian government proceeded with the ban to prioritize youth safety.
A Growing Global Trend and the “Middle Path”
The actions in Karnataka and Australia are reflective of a broader international shift in digital governance. Other nations are adopting various strategies to mitigate digital risks:
- The United Kingdom and Finland are currently discussing similar age-based safeguards.
- France and Spain have already implemented restrictions on smartphone use in schools to boost student focus.
The push for regulation is supported by data, such as India’s Economic Survey 2025–26, which linked high smartphone usage to anxiety, sleep problems, reduced attention spans, and increased vulnerability to cybersecurity risks like identity theft. There is also a heightened concern regarding online grooming by predators on messaging and gaming platforms.
Despite the momentum for bans, some experts suggest a “middle path”. They warn that blanket prohibitions might drive children toward unregulated platforms or VPNs, making them harder to protect. Instead, many advocates recommend a combination of age-based safeguards, digital literacy programs, and stronger parental controls to foster a safer digital environment for the next generation.
