Karnataka Government to Propose National Digital De-addiction Legislation to Central Authorities

In a significant policy development, Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has announced the state government's intention to formally petition the Central Government for comprehensive legislation addressing digital addiction. This initiative emerges from growing public health concerns regarding excessive screen time and its documented psychological impacts across demographic groups. The proposed framework would establish national standards for digital wellness, potentially encompassing usage guidelines for minors, public awareness campaigns, and institutional support mechanisms. Analysts note this move reflects increasing governmental recognition of technology's dual-edge nature—while indispensable for modern life, its unregulated consumption poses measurable societal risks. The state's advocacy positions digital de-addiction as a public health priority comparable to traditional substance abuse programs, signaling a paradigm shift in regulatory approaches to behavioral health in the digital era. Implementation would require multi-stakeholder coordination between health, education, and technology sectors at both state and federal levels. This proposal aligns with global trends where nations are developing legal frameworks to mitigate technology's adverse effects while preserving its benefits.