NEW DELHI, Jan. 29 -- The Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26) has called for age-based restrictions on social media access, citing rising concerns over "digital addiction" among minors and aligning India with a broader global push to curb underage use of major platforms.

The survey, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, stopped short of recommending an outright ban but urged limits on underage access, alongside stricter age verification, curbs on auto-play features, and restrictions on targeted advertising for minors. "Younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content," it said, citing links to lower student productivity and long-term earnings outcomes.

The recommendation comes as governments globally move t...