China is implementing strict measures to combat internet addiction among children and teenagers. According to the new rules proposed by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), individuals under the age of 18 will be prohibited from accessing the internet on their mobile devices between 10 pm and 6 am.
Additionally, a tiered system will be introduced to limit smartphone usage time, ranging from 40 minutes a day for children under eight years old to two hours for 16- and 17-year-olds.
While these regulations are among the most stringent in the world, parents will have the option to bypass them if they choose to do so. The CAC aims to enhance the internet’s positive role, create a favorable online environment, intervene in and prevent internet addiction problems among minors, and encourage the development of good internet usage habits.
These measures build upon existing efforts to protect minors online, including providing age-appropriate content and reducing the impact of harmful information. Chinese authorities have been taking steps to regulate the domestic tech sector, particularly concerning concerns over the potential risks posed by digital technology to young individuals.
In 2021, China imposed limits on gaming time for children as part of the fight against addiction and suspended approvals for new games for nine months, affecting various companies, including industry giant Tencent. The recent decision to curb internet access and smartphone use for minors suggests that Beijing’s regulatory crackdown on domestic tech giants continues.
Following the CAC’s announcement, stocks of several leading Chinese internet firms experienced a decline, with Tencent’s Hong Kong-listed shares dropping by 3.0 per cent. The new rules are set to take effect on September 2, following a public consultation period.
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