Andhra Pradesh Pushes for Responsible Social Media Use

In a move to curb the rising menace of online harassment , the Andhra Pradesh government is stepping up efforts to create a safer digital environment . Aiming to make social media platforms particularly secure for women and children , the state’s Group of Ministers has decided to invite global digital giants to the next meeting. On Thursday, the government issued a statement, marking the beginning of a new chapter in digital governance .

Face-to-Face with Tech Giants

For the upcoming meeting, representatives from major platforms including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Google , X (Twitter), and ShareChat have been invited. The discussions will focus on platform accountability , protection of minors, and strategies to curb online abuse . The government will emphasize drafting digital safety regulations in line with international standards .

Concern Over Children’s Addiction and Women’s Harassment

State IT Minister Nara Lokesh , leading the ministerial team, expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of social media. He noted that public trust in these platforms is gradually eroding. Children , he said, are increasingly falling prey to excessive screen time, affecting their learning and concentration. Similarly, the persistent online harassment faced by women cannot be ignored. The minister underscored the government’s responsibility to build a responsible digital ecosystem .

Comprehensive Study of Global Policies

As part of the government’s roadmap, instructions have been issued to review existing legal frameworks . A detailed analysis of best practices in other countries, particularly age-based access controls for children, is also underway. The findings from these studies are expected to guide future policy decisions .

Not About Control, But Responsibility

The ministerial team reiterated that the initiative is not about controlling or restricting social media. Rather, it aims to create a transparent and responsible digital environment. Protecting children from harmful content and providing women with respectful digital spaces , the government said, will restore public trust in social media.