The impact of social media on the trust and harmony of society, established over millennia, needs thorough assessment, according to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who noted that the latest Economic Survey has "accurately highlighted" problems associated with online platforms.

Recognizing that social media has become one of the key channels for information and engagement, the minister stated that although it provides advantages like education, its overall influence should be carefully evaluated to guarantee that it benefits society, the information is reliable, and the platforms fulfill their responsibilities.

"We need to ensure that our society stays harmonious, and we should view social media through that lens." Does social media contribute to that trust, or is it undermining society? Does it contribute positively, or is it causing tension in society? "That matter must be assessed very clearly," Vaishnaw states.

He stated that social media has become an essential platform for information, engagement, and education, but stressed that its increasing impact carries responsibilities.

Vaishnaw was responding to an inquiry regarding the government's perspective and intended actions related to widespread concerns about the negative impacts of online platforms, particularly on children.

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The minister emphasized the obvious necessity of assessing whether the platform's content is reliable and if the necessary due diligence is being performed according to the established standards.

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"Do appropriate policies exist to ensure that social media platforms fulfill their necessary obligations? All these factors must be viewed in a comprehensive way, and the economic survey has appropriately highlighted these concerns in its report," Vaishnaw states.

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Drawing on insights for a social media prohibition for minors, the Economic Survey 2025-26 has recommended that age-related access to digital platforms be evaluated while also reducing online education to prevent digital dependency.

The recent survey presented in Parliament urged schools to take an essential part in influencing children's digital behaviors and advocated for more straightforward devices for educational content access to minimize their exposure to harmful online material.