The Egyptian government has introduced new rules to regulate children's use of social media platforms. These rules aim to enhance protection for children and young people from the risks of the digital environment. The regulations require social media platforms to implement effective and proportionate measures to verify users' ages and prevent children from bypassing age restrictions. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure children's safety online.
The new regulations categorize users into different age groups, determining the type of account and level of protection they are entitled to. Children under 13 are not allowed to create social media accounts, while those between 13 and 15 can use platforms with a safe mode activated. This safe mode is designed to protect children from interacting with strangers and accessing inappropriate content. Parents can control their child's account, set time limits, and close the account if needed.
According to Mohamed Ibrahim, Deputy Chairman of the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA), the new rules are binding for global companies operating in Egypt. These companies have a three-month period to comply with the regulations and adjust their accounts accordingly. Ibrahim emphasized that the NTRA is working to enhance protection for children using the internet on their mobile phones through services like "Atmmen" and "Atmmen ala Akhar."
The "Atmmen" service blocks inappropriate content, including applications, games, and materials that may pose a risk to children. The "Atmmen ala Akhar" service provides an additional layer of protection by blocking not only inappropriate content but also social media platforms. Parents can activate these services through their telecom company's application without needing to visit a branch.
Ibrahim noted that the protection system is continuously updated to keep pace with new applications and platforms. The NTRA monitors content that may pose a risk to children and takes necessary actions. The goal is to strike a balance between allowing children to benefit from the internet for education and access to information and protecting them from harmful content and digital risks.
One of the challenges in implementing these regulations is verifying the age of users, particularly in cases where a child's account is registered under a parent's name. In such cases, the data may be accurate, but the user behind the screen is different from the registered owner. This complexity requires social media platforms to go beyond simply checking the registered birthdate and to implement more sophisticated age verification methods.
The NTRA's efforts to protect children online also involve collaboration with telecom companies and social media platforms. By working together, they aim to create a safer online environment for children to explore and learn. The regulations and services introduced are part of a broader strategy to address the challenges of children's online safety and to ensure that the internet remains a valuable resource for education and development.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has introduced new regulations to protect children on social media platforms by verifying users' ages and preventing children from bypassing age restrictions.
- The regulations categorize users into different age groups, determining the type of account and level of protection they are entitled to.
- The NTRA is working to enhance protection for children using the internet on their mobile phones through services like "Atmmen" and "Atmmen ala Akhar."
