Japan Panel Proposes Stricter Social Media Age Verification for Minors

Tokyo. A Japanese government panel has suggested increasing the responsibility of social media operating companies by implementing strict age verification and limitations on some features.

The panel under the Ministry of Communications has proposed new measures to protect adolescent users from online risks. According to the news agency Kyodo News, these proposals include social media companies checking users' ages more strictly and restricting some features if necessary.

The panel concluded that a complete ban on social media use based on age would not be appropriate. However, the report states that it is necessary to reduce the excessive dependence of adolescents on these platforms and protect their physical and mental health.

Concerns have been raised about the increase in problems such as mental health issues, cyber risks, and in some cases, involvement in criminal activities among minors with the widespread use of smartphones and social media. So far, measures implemented in Japan have been mainly limited to mobile company filtering services and parental supervision.

Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is discussing expanding the role of social media companies and smartphone operating system providers.

The Child and Family Agency will decide whether to make necessary legal amendments after the final report. The report is expected to come out by summer.