In a bid to protect its young internet users and create a safer digital environment, China has recently introduced pioneering regulations that place responsibilities on internet and tech firms, authorities, and schools. These regulations aim to ensure the physical and mental well-being of over 191 million internet users under the age of 18, addressing issues ranging from internet violence to addiction.
Prioritising the Health of Young Internet Users
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has issued a groundbreaking order to implement the “Cyberspace Protection Regulations for Minors.” These regulations are the first of their kind and reflect the Chinese government’s commitment to providing a cyber environment that nurtures the “physical and mental health” of young internet users.
Empowering Schools and Tech Firms
One of the core components of these new rules is the call for collaboration between schools and technology companies. They are required to provide tools, including terminals, software, or applications with specialised features, designed to intervene and protect minors from internet addiction and harmful content.
Youth Mode and Internet Curfew
Building upon 2021 requirements set by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), tech companies are mandated to apply a “youth mode” to control gaming and content for users under 16. This mode imposes restrictions, such as barring users from live-streaming broadcasts or giving gifts to live-streamers. Additionally, there is a proposal for an “internet curfew” from 10 PM to 6 AM, during which individuals under 18 would be prohibited from accessing the internet, further emphasising the importance of a balanced online and offline life.
Government Commitment to Child Safety
The Ministry of Justice and the CAC issued a joint statement stressing the significance of protecting minors in cyberspace, highlighting its impact on the nation’s future and the happiness of families. The internet has expanded the horizons for minors in terms of learning and entertainment, but it has also brought about various challenges, including issues such as poor awareness of online security, the proliferation of illegal and harmful content, and the prevalence of internet addiction.
Government Coordination and Oversight
To effectively implement these rules, the CAC will coordinate efforts among various government departments, including those responsible for press and publication, radio and television, public security, education, telecoms, culture, and tourism, in addition to local governments.
Internet Providers Under Scrutiny
The regulations put internet products and service providers under government and societal supervision, mandating their cooperation in inspections. They are required to establish channels for complaints and reporting and handle cases promptly. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, with companies facing penalties of up to 500,000 yuan (approximately US$68,400).
Content Restrictions and Promotion of Positive Values
These regulations prohibit the production, reproduction, publishing, or spread of explicit and harmful content, as well as content related to sensitive topics. Furthermore, they encourage the spread of content promoting “socialist core values,” revolutionary culture, and traditional Chinese culture, with the aim of fostering positive moral values among the young population.
Empowering Internet Platforms
Internet platforms are expected to regularly assess their protection mechanisms and provide customised services or products for minors. They are also required to set up independent oversight agencies composed of external members to supervise the protection of minors. To enhance transparency, internet providers are instructed to publicise protection rules and remedies in case of infringement and release an annual report outlining their actions. Violations can result in substantial fines, including penalties of up to 50 million yuan or 5 percent of the firm’s annual turnover from the previous year.
Addressing Cyberbullying
The regulations emphasise the importance of early warning, detection, and response to cyberbullying, requiring web product and service providers to establish and improve mechanisms to combat this issue.
Supporting Schools and Teachers
Schools are entrusted with the responsibility of enhancing guidance and training for teachers to improve their ability to detect internet addiction in students and intervene at an early stage. Moreover, internet product and service providers are urged to release anti-internet addiction measures to the public.
Impact and the Road Ahead
In 2021, nearly 97 percent of Chinese children and teenagers aged between six and 18 used the Internet. A survey by the China Internet Network Information Centre found that more than a quarter of the surveyed minors had encountered “cybersecurity incidents” in the past six months, including internet fraud, viruses, and leaked personal information.
Additionally, a significant portion of these young internet users reported exposure to harmful or negative content, online bullying, and harassment. The new regulations are expected to have a profound impact on safeguarding the well-being of China’s young internet users.
In conclusion, China’s introduction of comprehensive cyber safety rules for minors underscores its commitment to creating a secure digital environment. By placing obligations on various stakeholders and promoting positive values, the Chinese government aims to ensure the health and happiness of its young internet users while addressing the challenges of the digital age.