Vietnam Proposes Ban on Social Media Posts by Under-16s

Cyprus Mail

Social media apps.

Vietnam is planning to require social media platforms to prevent users under the age of 16 from posting content, commenting or reacting to posts, according to a draft decree reviewed by Reuters, as governments around the world move to tighten restrictions on minors' use of social media.

Under the proposed rules, social media accounts belonging to children under 16 would have to be registered using the details of a parent or legal guardian, who would be responsible for supervising both the content their children access and the amount of time they spend on the platforms.

The draft decree also requires social media companies to implement technical measures to identify underage users and ensure that content is distributed in a manner appropriate to their age.

"The primary objective is not to ban or excessively restrict children's access to social media, but rather to ensure that when children use social media services, they are placed in an age-appropriate environment and protected from inappropriate risks," deputy culture minister Phan Tam said on Thursday at a meeting to discuss the new rules.

The draft decree also requires social media platforms to provide the highest level of privacy protection for accounts belonging to children. Companies would be obliged to proactively detect, warn against and block access to content involving violence, pornography, gambling, drugs, suicide and other material considered harmful to minors.

The proposal reflects growing concern among governments worldwide over online safety and the impact of social media and harmful online content on children's mental health.

Earlier this week, French lawmakers approved a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. Australia became the first country to introduce such restrictions, and several other nations are now considering similar measures.

Beyond social media, Vietnam is also proposing tighter controls on online gaming for minors. Under the draft decree, game operators would be required to verify users' ages, register accounts for children under 16 through a parent or legal guardian, and limit those under 16 to no more than 60 minutes of gameplay per day across games provided by the same company.

The draft decree has not yet been finalised and may be amended before it is formally adopted.

Source: Reuters



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