France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s From 2026

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

International

The French government is planning to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms from September 2026. The proposal is part of a broader effort to limit the impact of digital platforms on minors and address concerns related to mental health, online safety and excessive

Defence National

Army Revises Social Media Rules for Personnel

By BPN News Desk December 26, 2025

The Indian Army has revised its long-standing restrictions on social media use, allowing its personnel limited, non-interactive access to social media platforms. Under the updated guidelines, officers and soldiers are now permitted to view content on platforms such as Instagram, X, Facebook, and messaging applications, but are strictly prohibited from posting, commenting,

Editorials Opinion

From Tina Dabi Row to Influencer Bureaucracy: When Civil Servants Chase Fame

By BPN News Desk December 22, 2025

The Barmer incident where students were detained after calling the District Collector a “reel star” should have ended as a minor footnote in local administration. Instead, it has exposed an uncomfortable truth about India’s bureaucracy in 2025. This was not about an insult. It was about power reacting defensively when its carefully curated image was […]

International

US Visa Social-Media Rule Sparks Concern

By BPN News Desk December 10, 2025

A new rule by the US State Department now requires H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents to make their social media accounts publicly visible for screening. The policy comes into effect from December 15. Consular officers will be allowed to review posts, past handles and public activity from multiple platforms before deciding on a […]

International

Australia’s Social Media Ban For Under-16s Comes into Effect

By BPN News Desk December 10, 2025

Australia has enforced a nationwide ban that stops children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts. The law took effect from December 10 and applies to all major platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X, Reddit, Twitch and others. Platforms that fail to remove under-age accounts can face heavy […]

International

Australia Starts Enforcing Under-16 Social Media Ban

By BPN News Desk December 4, 2025

Australia has begun implementing its new law banning users under 16 from maintaining social media accounts. Major platforms, including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, have started identifying and disabling accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15 ahead of the full rollout on December 10. Meta Locks Accounts To Comply With Law Meta has notified […]

International

Malaysia To Ban Social Media For Under-16s

By BPN News Desk November 24, 2025

Malaysia has announced a plan to ban social media usage for individuals under 16 starting in 2026. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the move aims to protect children from online risks such as cyberbullying, scams and harmful content. The measure will form part of the country’s new Online Safety Act, scheduled to take effect on […]

Op-Eds Opinion

From Hashtags to Handcuffs: Time for MHA to Act Against Violent Provocations

By BPN News Desk September 11, 2025

The recent wave of Gen Z protests in Nepal should serve as a sobering warning for India. What began as a movement for accountability and transparency quickly descended into mob violence, arson, and even the killing of politicians’ family members. Houses were torched, public property was destroyed, and the democratic space for dissent was hijacked […]

Law & Order National

SC Flags Divisive Content, Urges Self‑Regulation

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

The Supreme Court of India has called on citizens to exercise greater self-restraint on social media, warning that unchecked divisive content can harm social harmony. The Court reaffirmed the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression, but added that this right comes with responsibilities. During a recent hearing, the bench observed that the nature […]