‘Be the one in control’: Why are more countries leaning towards banning social media access for kids?

When it comes to social media bans, governments are willing to absorb criticism on feasibility, privacy and civil liberties, experts tell CNA.

KUALA LUMPUR: As countries around the world mull social media bans for those under 16, tech firms have touted their own child safety features and warned of unintended effects in their bid to push back against more regulation.

But experts say that ship has sailed for Big Tech, noting that internet regulators seem more determined than ever to push through the bans despite what platforms say or do.

With strong public support for intervention against the threat of online harms especially against children, governments are willing to absorb criticism on feasibility, privacy and civil liberties, rather than be accused of inaction, the analysts add.

While tech firms can highlight how they are already protecting children on their respective platforms, the debate has moved beyond safety tools to whether they can demonstrate systemic and enforceable measures, the experts tell CNA.