Japan is moving toward tighter safeguards for children using social media, with discussions underway on introducing stricter age verification requirements while avoiding blanket age-based restrictions.
The push comes amid rising concerns over minors falling victim to crimes such as sexual abuse, as well as cyberbullying and mental health risks linked to excessive or unfiltered social media use. Authorities are also wary of the potential for misinformation exposure to contribute to depression and suicide among young users.
Under the 2009 law on creating a safer internet environment for youth, service providers are currently only required to make “best efforts” to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. The government is now considering revising the law and is expected to outline its position by the end of the year.
An expert panel under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications noted in a draft report released on April 22 that social media platforms serve as important communication tools for minors and vary widely in function. It warned that blanket age-based restrictions would be “undesirable” and stressed the need to respect freedom of expression.
However, the panel identified mandatory age verification as a key area for consideration. It also recommended that platforms be required to conduct risk assessments and implement and disclose safety measures for child users.
Major platforms such as Instagram and TikTok already prohibit users under 13 from creating accounts and apply restrictions for users under 18, including limits on autoplay and screen time. Despite this, age checks often rely on self-reported birth dates, making it easy for users to bypass restrictions.
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said inaccurate age reporting undermines safety measures, increasing risks for young users.
Proposed verification methods include linking accounts to mobile carrier data or requiring users to submit identification documents. However, challenges remain, particularly when users access platforms through devices not tied to mobile contracts.
Globally, governments are grappling with similar issues. In Australia, a law banning social media use for those under 16 took effect last December, but enforcement methods are left to service providers. Technologies such as facial recognition are being used, though concerns persist over their accuracy and effectiveness.
Source: Japan News (YS)
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
