Because they are accused of affecting the mental health of children, social networks are in the crosshairs of the authorities. Addiction, eating disorders, or even suicide, it’s time for Ofcom to put the mental and physical health of children at risk on social media. And because it is today impossible to deny them access, the regulator is turning to the companies that distribute them to ask them to finally take their responsibilities.
On the program of this project of codes of good practice for child safety, 40 measures governed by 3 guidelines.
The first of these will consist of more rigorous age control of children who use social networks so that they cannot have access to content “ harmful » when these are freely distributed. Companies will also have to avoid using algorithms to recommend sensitive content to children that encourages them to view more and more of it. Finally, they will have to provide a responsive moderation service and a safe search service for children.
And beware of companies that will turn a deaf ear. After the publication of this code, scheduled for 2025, they will have 3 months to comply with it. After this period without intervention, “ coercive measures ” as well as ” heavy fines » will rain.
