A proposed private member’s bill in Parliament, which seeks to introduce stricter safeguards for children under 13 using social media, online gaming services and other digital platforms, including restrictions on account creation, targeted advertising and access to harmful content, continues to face delay as ruckus continues in Parliament.
The Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (SHIELD) Bill, 2025, drafted last year, was proposed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda earlier this year. The legislation seeks to place additional responsibilities on digital platforms to protect minors from potential online risks.
Key proposals
Under the proposed framework, children below 13 should not be allowed to create accounts on social media and online gaming platforms unless parental consent is verified. Platforms that are accessible to minors would also be required to establish systems to verify users’ ages.
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The bill proposes curbs on the collection and use of children’s data. Digital platforms would be barred from tracking or profiling minors for personalised advertising.
It also seeks to make platforms take measures to prevent children from being exposed to potentially harmful material, including pornography, gambling and betting-related content, violent or extremist material and content associated with drug use.
Another provision calls for parental-control dashboards through which guardians could manage children’s digital activity. These tools would allow parents to oversee online activity, adjust privacy settings and impose limits on screen time.
Penalties for violations
The proposed legislation envisages financial penalties of up to Rs 10 crore for platforms that fail to comply with the prescribed safety requirements.
In cases involving repeated or deliberate violations, stronger action could follow, including temporary suspension or blocking of services under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
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The bill was among two private members’ bills listed for introduction in Parliament on Friday (August 7). However, proceedings were disrupted and the House was adjourned before the proposed legislation could be taken up. The other bill sought to address the misuse of artificial intelligence to produce realistic imitations of individuals.
Bill faces repeated delays
The SHIELD Bill has previously faced delays in Parliament. It was listed for consideration in the Lok Sabha earlier this year but could not be taken up after proceedings were disrupted.
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Panda has previously criticised repeated disruptions, arguing that private members’ business should also get an opportunity to be considered irrespective of political differences. The BJP MP has maintained that such bills are distinct from the government’s legislative agenda and can address issues raised by individual members.
Global push for child safety online
The push for stronger safeguards has gained urgency amid concerns over the impact of unregulated digital platforms on children. The debate intensified following reports of the alleged suicides of three minor girls in Ghaziabad, with concerns being raised over their exposure to harmful online influences, including social media and online gaming.
Australia last year became the first country to impose a nationwide social media ban for users below 16, triggering debate in several other countries over age restrictions and online safety. China has also adopted extensive controls governing minors’ use of online gaming and digital services.
