Vietnam proposes ban on social media interaction for under-16s, sparking debate

Vietnam's government has proposed a ban on social media interactions for children under 16, sparking a heated debate among parents, tech companies, and child safety advocates. The draft amendment to a decree on internet management suggests that individuals under 16 would not be allowed to post, comment, or share content on social media platforms. They would only be permitted to view content under parental supervision. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, deputy director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated at a consultation conference on July 23 that the proposal aims to protect minors. If enacted, Vietnam would join Indonesia and Malaysia as the third country in Southeast Asia to tighten online safety regulations for adolescents in recent times. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, expressed concerns. Nguyen Thu Thao, Public Policy Director for Vietnam at Meta, argued that a complete ban on interaction would hinder the platforms' ability to identify and protect underage users. She noted that platforms use behavioral patterns and AI to estimate user ages, and without interactive signals, these protective measures would be less effective. She also warned of the risk of children falsely reporting their age to continue using interactive features. Nguyen Lam Thanh, Director of TikTok Vietnam, echoed similar sentiments, stating that a blanket ban on posting and interaction for users under 16 would effectively mean prohibiting this demographic from using the platforms entirely. Public opinion is divided. A mother of two in Hanoi questioned the proposal's effectiveness and feasibility, arguing that comments among friends or about school are not inherently concerning. She highlighted the use of social media for learning and information exchange and emphasized the role of families and schools in educating children. Conversely, a father of three in Hanoi, struggling with his children's social media usage, supported the ban, believing it would instill greater fear and compliance than parental guidance alone. Dr. Trinh Viet Dung, in an opinion piece for VnExpress, likened the proposal to "solving a problem by deleting the question," suggesting it removes the risk of children speaking out and potentially making mistakes, but at the cost of stifling their opportunities for self-expression and learning. Nguyen Quang Dong, Director of the Institute for Media Policy and Development, warned that such a ban could push children under 16 towards less regulated, "underground" social networks, posing even greater risks. Social media is widely recognized in Vietnam as an essential channel for information exchange, social interaction, entertainment, and learning for young people. Some observers view the proposal as another instance of Vietnam's "if we can't manage it, we ban it" approach to regulation. The public consultation period for the draft decree concluded on July 19. Information Source: BBC Vietnamese