India’s Karnataka state to ban social media for children under 16

India's southern state of Karnataka will ban social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of measures to address the harmful effects of growing mobile phone use, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced while presenting the state's 2026–27 budget.

The budget, totalling Rs 4.48 trillion ($5.2 billion), also prioritises artificial intelligence, major infrastructure projects and climate resilience, Caliber.Az reports per Indian media.

Siddaramaiah said Karnataka will establish an AI and Technology Park under the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), including the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation (KEONICS).

The government also announced plans for two AI Centres of Excellence in Bengaluru and approved two major road corridor projects covering 40 km, alongside a new tunnel road and elevated corridor in the city.

By Sabina Mammadli