Tokyo, Japan, June 3: A government panel in Japan has recommended stronger measures to protect minors on social media platforms, including stricter age verification systems and restrictions on certain platform features, according to a report by Kyodo News.
The recommendations were presented in a draft report prepared by a communications ministry panel, which emphasized the need to enhance the responsibility of social media operators in safeguarding young users. The panel, however, noted that a blanket ban on social media use based solely on age, as adopted by some countries, may not be suitable for Japan, given the important role social media plays as a communication tool.
The report highlighted concerns over growing dependence on social media among young people and called for measures aimed at reducing excessive usage to protect their physical and mental well-being.
The move comes amid increasing smartphone and social media usage among minors, which has raised concerns about online safety, cyberbullying, mental health issues, and the involvement of young users in criminal activities.
According to Kyodo News, existing safeguards in Japan have largely been limited to mobile carrier filtering services that block access to harmful websites, along with parental monitoring at home.
Since last year, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has been examining ways to expand the role of social media companies and smartphone operating system providers in protecting children online.
The report is expected to be finalized and submitted this summer, after which the country’s Children and Families Agency will consider specific measures and determine whether legislative amendments are required.
Japan joins a growing number of countries seeking tighter controls on minors’ access to social media. France is pursuing legislation to ban social media use for children under 15, while Australia enacted a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 last year. Spain and Denmark are also considering similar restrictions as governments worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by digital platforms for young users.