New rules aimed at protecting children and young people online have come into effect in China. The State Council says the regulations aim to create a healthy online environment, while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of children and young people. You Yang has more.
Adopted by Chinese lawmakers last October, the regulations came into effect on January the 1st.
They were proposed by the Cyberspace Administration of China.
And outline measures to regulate online content, protect personal information and prevent internet addiction among children and young people.
ZHANG NAN Associate Professor, Academy for the Rule of Law, China University of Political Science and Law "This regulation is the first specialized regulation on the protection of minors on the internet introduced by China. This shows the high attention and care that the our government to the growth and development of minors, this will provide a solid legal guarantee for the healthy growth of minors in the online space."
Legal experts highlight the importance of Article 25, which states:
"That no organization or individual shall send, push, deceive or force minors to come into contact with online information containing harmful or potentially harmful content that may affect their physical and mental health."
Then there's Article 55, which outlines the possible legal consequences for those who are found to have violated Articles 25.
They include warnings, fines, and the possible cancellation of business licenses.
Official data shows that last June, the number of internet users in China surpassed one-billion, among them more than 191 million children and young people.
Experts say while internet access expands the space for them to learn and live, it also creates challenges. Such as internet addiction, the impact of exposure to harmful online information on physical and mental health, and what they see as the indiscriminate collection and use of personal information.
YOU YANG Beijing "To protect the rights of minors online, experts say the combined efforts of schools, families and social media platforms are all important, and not just the country's legal framework. You Yang, CGTN, Beijing."
