Regulating Digital Platforms: Lessons from Global Settlements for Indian Child Safety Policy

Integrating these global best practices into Indian policy requires a nuanced approach. While mandatory age verification is essential, it raises concerns regarding user privacy and the potential for mass surveillance. Furthermore, enforcing usage limits on global platforms necessitates a collaborative regulatory environment where the state, civil society, and technology giants engage in transparent oversight. The Indian government is currently weighing whether to adopt a 'co-regulatory' model, where platforms are mandated to implement safety-by-design features, or to pursue stricter statutory mandates that could lead to significant penalties for non-compliance. As India continues to refine its digital governance, the focus must remain on creating a safe, inclusive, and age-appropriate digital environment. The lessons from the Meta settlement serve as a critical case study for Indian regulators to move beyond reactive measures and toward proactive, systemic interventions that prioritize the well-being of the next generation of digital citizens. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper III (IT and Cyber Security) and GS Paper II (Governance). Aspirants can use this to discuss the 'Safety-by-Design' approach in digital policy, the challenges of regulating Big Tech, and the intersection of technology, mental health, and child rights in India.