Messy make-up: cosmetics addiction takes the sheen out of childhood

India's top medical professionals are pushing for a comprehensive ban on advertisements for junk food and celebrity-endorsed marketing campaigns aimed at children, citing rising concerns over childhood obesity, diabetes, and mental health issues linked to poor dietary habits. This call comes amid broader discussions around digital content regulation, as social media platforms face increasing scrutiny over their role in shaping public discourse and influencing vulnerable demographics. The proposed measures aim to curb the influence of unhealthy eating patterns promoted through targeted advertising and influencer culture, particularly on platforms frequented by minors. The push for stricter regulations follows reports of widespread censorship on social media platforms, notably Instagram, operated by Meta. In recent weeks, posts related to political protests and critical commentary on government policies have been systematically removed, according to multiple sources. Political figures, activists, and news organizations have noted a sharp increase in content takedowns, raising concerns about the erosion of free speech and the potential misuse of regulatory mechanisms. These actions follow tense meetings between Meta executives and the Indian government, which has reportedly pressured the company to modify its algorithms and content moderation practices. The Indian Youth Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal, and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das are among those affected by the increased censorship. Their posts, along with those of other opposition voices, have been flagged and removed under provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. The CJP's Mr. Das criticized the move, calling it unconstitutional and illegal, and urged Meta to resist government pressure. He emphasized that algorithms should focus on moderating illegal content rather than policing free expression, highlighting the importance of maintaining open dialogue in democratic societies. Meta has not responded to queries regarding the alleged censorship, leaving questions about the extent of government influence over the platform unanswered. Meanwhile, experts warn that the current system allows for swift removal of content without sufficient oversight or transparency. Pranesh Prakash, a tech law and policy consultant, pointed out that Meta's automatic compliance with certain legal notices grants the government extensive power to censor content quickly, often bypassing traditional judicial checks. This practice raises serious concerns about the balance between national security interests and individual freedoms. In another development, France's highest court recently struck down a proposed ban on social media access for children under 15, citing free speech concerns. The legislation, which would have prohibited minors from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram starting in September, faced legal challenges from advocacy groups and civil liberties organizations. The court ruled that the measure violated constitutional protections for freedom of expression, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to safeguarding children while preserving their right to engage with digital spaces. Back in India, the issue of children's exposure to harmful content extends beyond social media. Reports indicate a growing trend of "cosmeticorexia," a condition marked by an obsessive preoccupation with beauty products and skincare routines among young girls. Influenced heavily by online trends and endorsements from popular influencers, children are increasingly adopting complex skincare regimens and using adult cosmetics, often at a young age. This phenomenon has sparked concern among educators and healthcare professionals, who argue that such behaviors can lead to long-term psychological and physical consequences. As debates continue over the appropriate measures to protect children from harmful influences, both in the realm of nutrition and digital engagement, stakeholders emphasize the need for nuanced solutions. While banning junk food advertising and regulating social media access are being considered, critics caution against overly restrictive policies that could stifle innovation and limit opportunities for young people to participate in the digital economy. The challenge lies in finding a middle ground that ensures safety without compromising fundamental rights.