Vietnam proposes restricted social media access for minors

The proposal from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism mandates that accounts for minors be registered under parental oversight. Parents would become the primary monitors for content access and time spent online, while platforms must implement technical measures to ensure age-appropriate environments. Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam stated the objective is to prioritize safety rather than total exclusion, a strategy that aligns with a broader international trend of legislative intervention.

Governments worldwide are increasingly targeting social media to mitigate risks such as cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful content. While countries like Australia have already implemented comprehensive bans for those under 16, others including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom are pursuing their own restrictive frameworks. The shift has sparked significant debate, with organizations like Amnesty Tech questioning the efficacy of such bans and raising concerns over the privacy implications of invasive age-verification systems. Despite these critiques, nations from Denmark to Turkey continue to draft and finalize legislation aimed at reclaiming the digital landscape for younger generations.