iWorld
Karnataka to ban social media for children under 16; Meta warns of risks
Meta urges parental oversight over blanket bans as debate on child online safety grows
KARNATAKA: Karnataka may bar children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday while presenting the state budget. This marks the most definitive move yet by an Indian state to regulate young users online.
The proposal aims to limit the harmful effects of excessive mobile and social media use among children, the chief minister said, amid growing concerns about screen addiction and mental health.
If implemented, Karnataka would become the first state in India to formally move towards a ban on social media access for minors under 16. Other states, including Andhra Pradesh and Goa, have previously said they were examining similar measures.
The idea has been under discussion within the state government for months. Earlier this year, state minister for information technology and biotechnology Priyank Kharge, told the legislative assembly that the government was studying ways to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media by young users.
Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has also raised concerns about excessive screen exposure among children. Meanwhile, BJP MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar urged the government to treat the issue seriously, warning that unrestricted social media use could affect both education and family life.
Siddaramaiah had previously discussed the issue with university vice-chancellors as well, seeking their views on restricting mobile phone use among children under 16.
Karnataka’s proposal comes amid a widening global debate over children’s access to social media.
Countries such as Australia have introduced stricter limits on younger users, while governments in the United Kingdom and Finland have also been exploring regulatory safeguards.
In parts of Europe, including France and Spain, schools have imposed restrictions on smartphone use in classrooms to reduce distraction and improve student focus.
Policymakers worldwide are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media algorithms, digital addiction and online risks on minors.
India’s Economic Survey 2025–26 also flagged excessive smartphone use among young people, linking it to sleep disruption, anxiety, reduced attention spans and rising academic stress.
Experts say the dangers extend beyond simple screen addiction.
Cybersecurity specialists warn that children often share personal information online without understanding privacy implications. Social media platforms, gaming apps and messaging services routinely collect location data, behavioural patterns, voice samples and browsing habits, creating digital profiles that could later be misused for surveillance, identity theft or targeted manipulation.
Online grooming is another growing concern. Law enforcement agencies globally have warned that predators increasingly use social media, gaming chats and messaging platforms to gain the trust of minors before exploiting them.
Artificial intelligence is also complicating the landscape. AI-powered recommendation systems and chatbots can keep children engaged for long periods while collecting behavioural data. In some cases, experts say these systems may inadvertently expose young users to harmful content.
Technology companies, however, argue that outright bans may not be the most effective solution.
Responding to the proposal, Meta said governments should prioritise parental oversight rather than blanket restrictions.
A Meta spokesperson said the company shares the goal of creating safer online experiences for young users but believes parents should ultimately decide which apps their teenagers use.
“We want the same thing as lawmakers: safe, positive online experiences for young people and believe parents should decide which apps their teens use,” the spokesperson said.
The company warned that sweeping bans could push teenagers towards less regulated websites or workarounds that bypass existing safety protections.
“Governments considering bans should be careful not to push teens toward less safe, unregulated sites, or logged-out experiences that bypass important protections,” the spokesperson added, pointing to safeguards such as Instagram’s Teen Accounts.
Meta also argued that focusing on a handful of platforms may not address the broader issue, noting that teenagers typically use dozens of apps each week. Experts say blanket bans may prove difficult to enforce in practice. Young users could circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks, anonymous accounts or lesser-known platforms that operate outside major regulatory frameworks.
Because digital platforms also provide access to educational resources, coding communities and creative opportunities, policymakers are increasingly exploring a middle path. That approach combines age-based safeguards, stronger privacy protections, parental supervision and digital literacy programmes instead of outright bans.
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
