By Cui Can
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said Thursday that China will continue to strengthen the protection of minors in cyberspace, with a focus on anti-addiction measures and efforts to curb online malpractice.
Major online platforms have set up a "youth mode" to protect minors from developing an addiction, said Sheng Ronghua, vice minister of the CAC.
This year, China's cyberspace regulator will expand its coverage and guide more online platforms and online service providers that are frequently accessed by minors to set up anti-addiction systems, according to Sheng.
He said that a special campaign was carried out last year to crack down on selling video game accounts to minors that bypasses play time restrictions.
In addition, to curb online malpractice and create a cleaner online environment for minors, Sheng said that priorities will be given to the clean-up of pornographic and violent content and other online content that may seriously affect the physical and mental health of minors.
The administration also said it will take targeted measures to respond to online malpractice on different platforms, such as cyber bullying on social media platforms.
The CAC has recently started to solicit public opinion on a draft regulation to safeguard minors in cyberspace. The draft includes issues such as the protection of minors' personal information and anti-addiction measures. Sheng said that the draft regulation will better protect the rights and interests of minors in cyberspace and their physical and mental health.
