‘Regulate algorithms, ban won’t help’: Founder on Karnataka, Andhra plan to restrict social media for kids

Founder questions Karnataka, Andhra social media ban for kids.

A proposal by the governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to restrict social media access for children has triggered a fresh debate online, with some supporting stricter rules while others questioning whether a blanket ban is the right approach.

The discussion gained momentum after a Delhi-based founder, Nikhil Pahwa, shared a detailed post on X explaining why he believes banning social media for users under 16 may not address the root problem.

In his post, Pahwa argued that the issue lies less with young users and more with how many social media platforms are designed. According to him, algorithm-driven feeds, rapid content loops and behavioural feedback systems are built to maximise engagement by delivering constant “dopamine hits”. If governments are concerned about addiction, anxiety or declining attention spans among young users, he said, regulators should focus on changing platform design and algorithmic incentives rather than restricting children.

Since I'm being asked for comments on Karnataka's proposed social media ban for those under 16 years of age, here it is: 1. Banning children under 16 from social media may sound like a solution, but it avoids the real problem: The real issue is not social media, but how…

— Nikhil Pahwa (@nixxin) March 6, 2026

He also pointed out that a strict age-based ban overlooks how young people gradually develop the ability to navigate digital spaces. Between the ages of 13 and 18, teenagers typically learn how to interact online with increasing independence, and responsible exposure combined with guidance can help them build digital awareness. A hard cut-off, he suggested, could delay that learning process instead of supporting it.

Pahwa further raised practical concerns about enforcing such restrictions. Age-based bans would likely require strong identity verification systems, which could raise privacy issues if platforms are forced to collect government IDs or biometric data. In India, where devices are often shared among family members, verifying age accurately could also prove difficult.

Founder also warns bypassing law with VPN usage

He added that bans rarely eliminate access entirely, as teenagers may simply bypass restrictions by misreporting their age or using tools such as VPNs. The founder also questioned the policymaking process, saying that major decisions affecting millions of young internet users should ideally involve wider consultation and expert input.

Finally, he argued that not all social media platforms function in the same way. Platforms primarily used for communication between friends and family, he said, should not be treated the same as those driven by algorithmic content feeds designed to maximise engagement. Instead of bans, he suggested creating safer digital environments and tools that help young users develop responsible online behaviour over time.

Pahwa’s post quickly went viral and sparked discussion online. Some users agreed with his argument that policymakers may be oversimplifying the issue. One commenter said governments often rush to take visible action without consulting experts, adding that a state like Karnataka which is home to many technology professionals should ideally seek more input from specialists before implementing such measures.