Stricter Online Safety Measures for Children
South Africa is considering tougher measures to safeguard children online, including the criminalisation of exposing minors to pornographic material.
nnnnThe proposals form part of the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Safety, currently under consideration by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Departmental spokesperson Tlangelani Manganyi said the measures are aimed at strengthening protections for children in an increasingly digital world.
nnnnAccording to Manganyi, the proposed interventions seek to shield children from harmful content that could negatively affect their physical, mental or moral development. “The intention is to ensure that children are not exposed to disturbing and harmful material, or prematurely introduced to adult experiences,” he said.
nnnnThe move comes amid a global push for stricter online safety regulations for children. Australia recently introduced the world’s first ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. In Europe, France has passed legislation restricting access to certain websites for children under 15.
nnnnSocial media platforms are also facing mounting pressure from regulators. TikTok has announced that it will begin rolling out new age-detection technology across Europe as part of efforts to identify and remove users under the age of 13. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is advocating for mandatory age limits on social media platforms, and Denmark has proposed a ban on social media use for children under 15.
nnnnIn the United Kingdom, a pilot programme aimed at enforcing age restrictions has already resulted in the removal of thousands of users found to be under the age of 13.
nnnnManganyi emphasised that South Africa’s approach would build on the existing mandate of the Film and Publication Board (FPB). “The FPB currently regulates the creation, production, possession and distribution of films, games and certain publications to provide consumer advice that enables people to make informed viewing, reading and gaming choices for themselves and for children in their care,” he said.
nnnnThe proposed changes signal a stronger stance by government to adapt legislation to the realities of digital media and online platforms, while placing the protection and wellbeing of children at the centre of policy development.
nnnnPublic consultations on the Draft White Paper are expected to guide the final shape of the proposed regulations.
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