Maldives to restrict social media access for children under 16

The Maldives government is preparing to introduce restrictions on social media access for children under the age of 16 as part of efforts to protect young users from cyberbullying online grooming and other digital threatsPresident Mohamed Muizzu announced the proposal during a weekly press conference on Monday stating that concerns about childrens online safety have become increasingly significant for families in the Maldives and around the worldAccording to state media reports the government intends to study international models before finalising the policy with Australia emerging as a key reference point due to its recently implemented agebased social media restrictionsGovernment cites growing concerns over online safetySpeaking about the proposed measures Muizzu said the government is focusing on creating a safer digital environment for children without limiting their educational opportunitiesHe noted that parents and educators have raised concerns about the potential harms associated with unrestricted access to social media platforms including cyberbullying exposure to harmful content and online exploitationThe president said the planned restrictions are aimed at reducing these risks while ensuring that children can continue to access educational resources and learning opportunities available onlineAccording to the government the proposal is part of a broader effort to strengthen child protection measures in the digital spaceSpecific social media platforms may be targetedMuizzu indicated that the proposed restrictions would apply to selected social media applications considered to pose risks to children and teenagersThe government plans to consult technology companies and social media platform operators before implementing the new frameworkOfficials will also work with platform owners to ensure their services comply with Maldivian laws and regulations concerning child safety and online accessThe president said detailed discussions would be held with stakeholders before the policy is finalisedLegal amendments required before implementationThe proposed ban will require amendments to existing cyber safety and digital governance laws in the MaldivesAuthorities are expected to conduct public consultations and gather feedback from parents educators technology experts and civil society groups before introducing the new regulationsAccording to reports the government aims to complete the policy framework and implement the restrictions within the next yearOfficials have stated that the consultation process will help determine how age verification and enforcement mechanisms can be implemented effectivelyMaldives looks at Australias modelIf implemented the Maldives would become one of the few countries to introduce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16Australia became the first country to adopt such a measure after announcing agebased restrictions on social media access last yearThe Australian government introduced laws requiring social media companies to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platformsCompanies that fail to comply with the regulations can face substantial financial penaltiesMillions of accounts removed after Australian banAccording to data released by Australias eSafety Commissioner more than 47 million accounts identified as belonging to users under the age of 16 were deactivated in the days following the implementation of the countrys social media banThe restrictions came into effect on December 10 resulting in largescale account removals across major platformsAustralian authorities have described the move as part of a broader effort to improve online safety and reduce childrens exposure to harmful digital contentSocial media platforms face scrutiny in AustraliaAustralias regulator is also investigating several social media companies over concerns regarding compliance with the new lawsIn a recent report the eSafety Commissioner said there were significant concerns about whether some major platforms had taken adequate steps to prevent underage users from accessing their servicesThe investigation reportedly includes major social media platforms such as Facebook and InstagramUnder Australian law companies that fail to implement reasonable safeguards against underage access can face fines of up to 495 million Australian dollarsAs the Maldives moves forward with its proposal policymakers are expected to closely examine the effectiveness and challenges of Australias approach while developing a framework tailored to local requirements and child safety concernsWith inputs from IANS