China has recently taken a significant step in addressing concerns about the impact of online services on children by releasing a set of new national guidelines. The State Council, China’s cabinet, has outlined a 10-year plan focused on the development and protection of children in the digital environment. The guidelines aim to regulate the online activities of minors, ensuring their safety and wellbeing in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
New Regulations for Online Service Providers
The State Council’s guidelines impose strict rules on providers of online services such as live streaming, gaming, audio and video streaming, and social networking platforms. These service operators are now required to limit both the time and money that children can spend on their services. By introducing these measures, the government intends to curb excessive use and prevent potential financial exploitation of minors in the digital realm.
Restrictions on Live Streaming for Minors
One of the more specific regulations within the guidelines is the prohibition of minors under the age of 16 from registering as live-streamers. This decision reflects growing concerns about the safety and exposure of young individuals on live streaming platforms, where they can be subjected to various risks, including cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and inappropriate content. The ban aims to shield minors from such vulnerabilities and ensure a safer online environment for them.
Unified Electronic Identity Authentication System
To effectively enforce these new regulations, the Chinese Government plans to implement a unified electronic identity authentication system nationwide. This system will be used to manage and monitor the gaming activities of minors. By authenticating users’ identities electronically, the government can more easily control how much time minors spend playing games and ensure that underage users are not accessing content that is not suitable for their age group.
Content Review and Game Limitations
As part of the guidelines, there will be a thorough review process for online content to ensure it is appropriate for younger audiences. The government will also classify games based on their suitability for children and set limitations on the amount of time minors can engage in gaming. These steps are designed to protect children from harmful content and prevent gaming addiction, which has been identified as a growing problem among the youth.
Protection of Personal Information and Privacy
In addition to content and usage restrictions, the guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting the personal information and privacy of children online. Service providers will be required to implement measures that safeguard the data of minors, preventing unauthorized access and misuse. By doing so, the guidelines seek to foster a secure online space where the privacy of children is respected and upheld.
The introduction of these guidelines marks a significant move by the Chinese government to address the challenges posed by the digital age to children’s development and safety. With these measures, China aims to create a more regulated and controlled online environment for its younger population, promoting healthy habits and protecting them from potential harms associated with the internet and digital technologies.