India should ban social media for U-15: Macron; keep AI child-safe: PM
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the urgent need to protect children from the potential harms of AI and social media during a significant meeting at the India AI Impact Summit. Both leaders emphasized the importance of creating child-safe digital environments, with Macron calling for stricter regulations to restrict access for those under 15 years old. He praised India’s consideration of similar measures, such as a proposed ban on social media platforms for minors, and highlighted the moral responsibility to safeguard children in the digital age. Modi echoed these concerns, stressing that AI and online spaces must be curated with care, much like school curricula, to ensure they are family-guided and safe for young users.
Macron also underscored the importance of transparency in algorithms and collaboration between governments to create a safer internet. He commended India’s progress in digital inclusion, particularly in areas like financial transactions and identity systems, calling it a “civilization story” rather than just a technological achievement. The French leader emphasized that AI should be accessible to all and used for the greater good, aligning with India's vision of innovation and strategic autonomy. He warned against hegemony in the tech sector and advocated for a shared global approach to shaping AI’s future.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of AI regulation, with both leaders acknowledging the need for ethical frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility. Modi highlighted India’s commitment to leading this charge, particularly through initiatives like the Digital India program, which aims to bring 1.4 billion people into the digital economy. Macron praised India’s progress in this area and expressed hope that the country would join France in pushing for stricter controls on social media platforms to protect children.
The meeting between Modi and Macron highlighted the growing global consensus on the need for ethical AI and child-safe online spaces. Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration, not just between governments but also with tech companies, to ensure the internet remains a safe and inclusive space for future generations. As India considers regulations like restricting social media access for minors under 15, this move aligns with global efforts led by countries such as France and Australia, which have already implemented similar bans.
The leaders’ focus on AI’s role in fostering prosperity and
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026