Vietnam proposes social media ban for users under 16

HANOI — Vietnam is planning to require social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from posting content, commenting or reacting to posts, according to a draft decree reviewed by Reuters. The move is part of a growing global effort to protect children online and limit their exposure to harmful content.

Under the proposed rules, social media accounts owned by children under 16 must be registered using the information of a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian would be responsible for monitoring the content children view and the amount of time they spend on social media platforms.

The draft decree also requires social media companies to implement technical measures to identify child users and ensure that they receive age-appropriate content.

"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 during a meeting discussing the proposed rules.

The proposal would also require platforms to provide the highest level of privacy protection for child accounts and take proactive measures to detect, warn against and block access to content involving violence, pornography, gambling, drugs, suicide and other harmful materials.

The planned restrictions reflect growing concerns among governments worldwide over online safety and the effects of social media and harmful content on children's mental health.

Earlier this week, French lawmakers approved a ban on social media access for children under 15, while Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide social media ban for younger users. Several other countries are also considering similar measures.

Beyond social media, Vietnam is also proposing new restrictions on online gaming among minors, according to the draft decree.

Game operators would be required to verify users' ages, register accounts for users under 16 through a parent or guardian, and limit children under 16 to no more than 60 minutes of gameplay per day for games offered by the same company.

The draft decree has not yet been finalized and may still be revised before it is officially adopted.

-Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by David Stanway/Reuters