Meta cautions bans may push teens to less safe, unregulated sites after Karnataka’s under-16 social media curbs

As Karnataka announced a social media ban for children below 16 years, Meta on Friday cautioned that governments considering such restrictions should be careful not to push teens towards less safe, unregulated sites or logged-out experiences that lack key protection.

Meta, in a statement, said it will comply with local laws like bans where enforced, but added that with teens using nearly 40 apps weekly, “targeting a handful of companies won’t keep them safe”.

“Bans need to be applied equally”, the US headquartered social media giant, asserted.