social media Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

India strengthens online child safety rules for social media

India is strengthening enforcement of its online child safety framework by introducing stricter obligations for social media platforms, including faster content removal requirements and new safeguards for AI-generated content.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said it has requested a detailed report from a social media platform following allegations that advertisements linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) appeared on its service. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also issued notices to the platforms concerned.

The updated framework significantly shortens compliance deadlines for intermediaries. Platforms must remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a court order or a reasoned government notice, compared with the previous 36-hour deadline.

Complaints involving nudity, morphed intimate images and similar sensitive content must be addressed within two hours, while intermediaries are also required to report offences involving CSAM and other relevant crimes to the appropriate authorities.

The amendments also expand obligations for AI-generated content. Intermediaries must ensure that permissible synthetic content is clearly labelled and accompanied by traceable metadata, while preventing the creation and dissemination of unlawful AI-generated material, including child sexual exploitation material, non-consensual intimate imagery, impersonation and deepfakes.

Significant social media intermediaries must also deploy automated tools and other technical measures to proactively detect CSAM and previously identified illegal content. India said compliance will be reinforced through government advisories and a standard operating procedure on non-consensual intimate imagery issued in 2025.

Authorities warned that platforms failing to meet their due diligence obligations could lose the liability protections provided under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act and face prosecution under applicable laws.

Why does it matter?

India’s measures reflect a broader shift towards faster and more proactive platform accountability. Rather than relying primarily on user reports, regulators are increasingly requiring platforms to respond within hours, deploy automated detection systems and demonstrate that they can effectively prevent the spread of harmful content.

The inclusion of specific obligations for AI-generated content also illustrates how online safety regulation is evolving to address emerging risks such as deepfakes and synthetic child exploitation material. Together, the measures reinforce the expectation that platforms are responsible not only for removing illegal content but also for preventing its creation, distribution and recurrence.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Victoria proposes tougher child safety laws for social media and AI

Victoria’s Labor government plans to introduce child safety laws that would make it easier for families to bring legal claims against social media and AI companies accused of harming children.

The proposed reforms would remove the requirement for claims brought on behalf of minors to demonstrate permanent psychiatric impairment of at least 10% before proceedings against social media or AI providers can begin.

The government argues that addictive platform features can damage children’s mental health and that the current legal threshold creates an unnecessary barrier for affected families seeking compensation.

The reforms would also give the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) new powers to issue ‘demasking orders’, requiring social media companies to reveal the identities of anonymous users accused of online vilification.

Premier Jacinta Allan said families should be able to hold technology companies accountable when their platforms harm children and that anonymity should not shield users responsible for hateful conduct.

The government will also consider whether the lower legal threshold should apply to claims involving adults before finalising the legislation. The reforms will be developed through targeted consultations with VCAT, the courts and other stakeholders before being introduced to parliament.

Why does it matter?

The proposed reforms reflect a growing international trend towards holding technology companies more accountable for the real-world impacts of platform design, particularly where children are concerned. Lowering the threshold for legal claims could make it easier for families to seek redress while increasing pressure on platforms to address features that may contribute to harm.

The introduction of ‘demasking orders’ also illustrates how online safety policy is expanding beyond content moderation to include stronger legal mechanisms for identifying anonymous users and enforcing accountability. If adopted, the legislation could influence similar debates in other jurisdictions considering tougher platform liability rules.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

European Parliament committee backs stronger online protections for children

The European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education has adopted a report calling for stronger enforcement of existing EU digital legislation to create a safer online environment, particularly for children and young people.

MEPs argue that platforms should be held more accountable for the impact of their services through stronger safeguards, greater algorithmic transparency and stricter protections against addictive digital design.

The European Parliament report calls for a ban on the most harmful addictive platform features and supports introducing a dedicated ‘youth mode’ that would disable targeted advertising and reduce minors’ exposure to addictive design practices.

MEPs also propose greater transparency around recommender systems so users can better understand why content is promoted, restricted or removed. They further suggest introducing personal liability for serious and persistent failures to comply with child protection obligations.

Beyond platform design, the report recommends an EU-wide code of conduct for influencers and stronger safeguards against practices such as kidfluencing and sharenting, where children are used in commercial content or exposed excessively online.

MEPs also call for mandatory ethical standards for AI companions, greater transparency around AI model training, measures against AI-generated impersonation scams, stronger protection against synthetic child sexual abuse material, and systematic monitoring of children’s digital habits across the EU.

The committee said these measures should complement existing legislation, including the Digital Services Act, AI Act, GDPR and Audiovisual Media Services Directive, creating a more coherent EU framework for protecting minors online. The report will now be submitted to Parliament’s plenary session in September 2026.

Why does it matter?

The report signals growing political support for strengthening children’s online safety by making platforms more accountable for the design and operation of their services. Rather than relying solely on new legislation, MEPs are urging stronger enforcement of existing EU rules alongside targeted measures addressing addictive design, recommender systems and AI-powered services.

Although the report is not legally binding, it could influence future EU legislation and enforcement priorities by reinforcing the shift towards safety-by-design, greater transparency and stronger protections for minors across digital platforms.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

European Commission prepares new EU child safety online legislation

The European Commission has received the report of its Special Panel on Child Safety Online, with President Ursula von der Leyen confirming that legislative proposals to strengthen children’s online protection will be presented after the summer.

Von der Leyen described the report as an important evidence base for future policymaking and said its recommendations would inform the Commission’s forthcoming legislative proposals.

The Commission highlighted growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellbeing, pointing to excessive screen time, addictive platform design, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content as key risks facing young users.

According to the Commission, online platforms should be responsible for ensuring their services are safe by design, just as manufacturers are responsible for the safety of physical products.

The Commission also stressed the need for stronger age-appropriate protections, highlighting the forthcoming EU age verification application as a privacy-preserving tool that could give parents greater control over children’s access to online services.

Von der Leyen also said Europe should consider introducing a minimum age for access to social media and other digital services with addictive or age-inappropriate features, describing any future approach as gradual and guided by scientific evidence.

The Commission will now examine the panel’s recommendations alongside input from parents, educators, researchers, young people, member states and international partners before preparing legislative proposals aimed at strengthening children’s rights and safety online.

Why does it matter?

The Commission’s announcement signals that child online safety is moving higher up the EU’s digital policy agenda. Beyond enforcing existing rules under the Digital Services Act and AI Act, Brussels is now considering additional legislation that could introduce stronger platform obligations, age verification measures and possible minimum-age requirements for certain online services.

If adopted, these proposals could significantly reshape how platforms design and deliver services for younger users, reinforcing a broader regulatory shift towards safety by design and greater platform accountability across the European Union.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Australia doubles penalties and expands eSafety powers under social media age law

The Australian Government has introduced legislation to strengthen enforcement of its minimum age law for social media platforms, expanding the powers of the eSafety Commissioner and significantly increasing penalties for non-compliance.

The reforms are intended to strengthen oversight of platforms operating in Australia that fail to prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their services.

Under the proposed legislation, the eSafety Commissioner would receive enhanced information-gathering powers, including the authority to compel platforms and relevant third parties, such as age assurance providers and app stores, to provide documents and evidence demonstrating compliance.

The reforms would also substantially increase penalties for failing to comply with information requests and for systemic breaches of the legislation.

The government said millions of accounts belonging to users under 16 have already been removed, deactivated or restricted since the law entered into force.

However, the government argues that some major platforms continue to do only the minimum required, prompting the need for stronger enforcement powers and greater regulatory accountability.

Why does it matter?

The reforms mark a shift from establishing online child safety rules to enforcing them more aggressively. By expanding the eSafety Commissioner’s investigative powers and increasing penalties, Australia is signalling that platforms will face greater accountability if they fail to implement effective age assurance measures.

The legislation also reinforces Australia’s position as one of the most active jurisdictions in regulating children’s online safety. Its approach could influence other countries considering stronger enforcement mechanisms for age verification, platform responsibility and the protection of minors in digital environments.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU launches funding for youth-centred social media platforms

The European Commission has launched a €1.48 million call for proposals to support the development and testing of safer, more inclusive social media platforms designed for young people.

The initiative aims to involve young people from diverse backgrounds in designing digital services that prioritise privacy, well-being, accessibility and user safety.

Selected projects will develop or enhance protocol-based social media platforms aligned with EU values, while giving users greater control over their data, content moderation and overall online experience.

The programme also supports market analysis, platform development, adoption strategies and recommendations for the future of social media in the EU.

Why does it matter?

The initiative reflects the EU’s growing emphasis on promoting digital platforms that prioritise user wellbeing, privacy and safety rather than engagement-driven business models. By supporting protocol-based alternatives, the Commission is seeking to encourage a more open and user-centric social media ecosystem.

It also highlights a broader policy shift towards involving young people directly in the design of digital services. Giving users greater control over their data, online experience and content moderation aligns with the EU’s wider objectives on digital rights, platform accountability and safer online environments.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Indonesia reports 4.7 million under-16 accounts deactivated

TikTok and YouTube have deactivated about 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16 in Indonesia, according to the country’s Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid.

TikTok deactivated around 4.1 million accounts, while YouTube removed about 600,000. The move follows a regulation introduced in March requiring platforms deemed high risk to deactivate accounts held by users under 16.

The rule applies to services including TikTok, YouTube, X, Instagram and Roblox. Hafid said the government expects other platforms to follow the same approach.

Indonesia says the measures are intended to reduce children’s exposure to online harms, including cyberbullying, harmful content and internet addiction. Hafid said the government is not only trying to delay children’s access to social media, but also to change platform behaviour.

The ministry is reviewing self-assessment reports submitted by digital platforms and has said there is no room for compromise on compliance.

Indonesia’s approach reflects a wider global shift towards stricter rules on children’s access to social media and high-risk online services. Australia’s under-16 social media ban took effect in December 2025, while other governments are considering stronger restrictions and age-assurance requirements.

Why does it matter?

Indonesia’s enforcement shows how child online safety regulation is moving from policy debate to platform-level action. Deactivating millions of accounts creates immediate compliance pressure on major services and raises wider questions about age assurance, children’s rights, privacy and access to online spaces. The case also shows that governments are increasingly asking platforms not only to remove underage users, but to redesign how they manage risks for minors.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

UNESCO launches media literacy guide for families in the digital age

UNESCO has launched a global media literacy guide to help parents, caregivers, and families support children’s safe, informed and critical engagement with digital environments.

The guide, titled Growing Up in a Connected World: A Family Guide for the Digital Age, was launched at UNESCO Headquarters and online, attracting around 700 participants. It is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Developed by UNESCO in partnership with the French Media and Information Literacy Centre, CLEMI / Réseau Canopé, the guide is intended to equip families with media and information literacy skills to help guide children’s digital engagement.

UNESCO said the initiative comes amid growing global debate over whether younger users’ access to social media should be restricted or, in some cases, prohibited altogether. The organisation said such debates reflect broader concerns about safety, wellbeing and exposure to harmful content, but also underline the need to help young people navigate digital spaces safely, critically, and confidently.

The guide addresses both opportunities and risks linked to digital technologies. UNESCO said digital technologies can expand access to knowledge, participation and connection, but can also expose children to cyberbullying, harmful content, misinformation, and hate speech.

Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, said, ‘UNESCO promotes robust, evidence-based Media and Information Literacy policies. There is progress: UNESCO’s 2025 global survey shows that 171 countries now have a MIL policy framework. However, implementation remains uneven, with fewer than half of countries integrating media and information literacy into school curricula. As a result, too many children still receive no structured support at all. And when schools cannot fill this gap, the responsibility falls on families.’

Samuel Vitel, Director General of Réseau Canopé, said, ‘It is often through dialogue with parents that children learn to question information, compare different perspectives, and develop their critical thinking skills. This is why parents need support, just as we already provide it to teachers and to all education stakeholders.’

UNESCO said families are increasingly at the centre of today’s information ecosystems as digital and political transformations reshape society. The organisation said regulatory approaches such as safety by design remain important, but are not sufficient on their own.

The guide is designed to place practical tools directly in the hands of parents and caregivers. UNESCO said the aim is to support informed decision-making, strengthen autonomy within family life, and help families guide digital practices at home.

Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, said, ‘This new Guide serves as a common foundation of knowledge that every parent should be able to access. Its publication today is, therefore, not the end of our work, but the beginning.’

UNESCO also highlighted the growing influence of AI on information consumption and communication practices. Citing research from the Reuters Institute, it said 15% of young adults aged 18 to 24 use AI weekly to access news, compared with 3% of older users.

The organisation called on regulators, media organisations, experts, and other stakeholders to help empower parents, children, and young people to navigate information ecosystems critically and confidently.

UNESCO said media and information literacy remains one of its core global programmes. Through these initiatives, UNESCO and its partners aim to strengthen critical thinking skills and digital competencies in response to rapid technological change.

Why does it matter?

The guide matters because debates over children’s online safety are moving beyond restrictions and platform rules alone. UNESCO’s approach places media literacy at the centre of child protection, arguing that young people also need support to understand information, assess risks, and navigate digital spaces critically.

It also highlights the role of families in digital governance. Where schools have not yet integrated media and information literacy into curricula, parents and caregivers often become the first line of support against misinformation, harmful content, cyberbullying, and AI-shaped information environments.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Debate grows over UK’s proposed social media ban for under-16s

Amnesty International has challenged the British government’s decision to introduce a social media ban for under-16s, arguing that it targets children rather than the design choices made by digital platforms.

Responding to the announcement, Amnesty International UK chief executive Kerry Moscogiuri said the government had correctly identified the risks facing young people online but had chosen the wrong solution.

Amnesty argued that social media companies have developed products and business models that prioritise engagement and profit over children’s well-being, privacy and rights.

The organisation argues that social media platforms should be redesigned and regulated more effectively rather than restricting access for young users. The organisation argued that social media remains an important space where children and teenagers learn, communicate with friends, access support networks and participate in public life.

The human rights group is calling for stronger platform regulation, including restrictions on invasive profiling, hyper-personalised recommendation systems, autoplay features and infinite scrolling.

Amnesty also called for stronger protections for children’s privacy and personal data, arguing that responsibility for online safety should rest primarily with technology companies rather than young users.

Ofcom supports further assessment of child online safety measures

In a letter to Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said the regulator had begun examining age-assurance options and would provide an assessment by the end of October 2026 to support parliamentary consideration of the proposals.

The regulator also pledged to continue prioritising enforcement of existing child protection measures under the Online Safety Act and confirmed it will publish reports on enforcement outcomes and evaluate the impact of the proposed ban within a year of implementation.

Why does it matter?

The debate highlights two competing approaches to child online safety. One approach focuses on restricting access to social media for younger users, while the other seeks to address the design features and business models that critics argue contribute to online harms.

The discussion also reflects broader questions about platform accountability, children’s rights and digital governance. As governments around the world consider age restrictions, age verification requirements and online safety measures, policymakers continue to grapple with how to balance child protection, privacy, freedom of expression and access to digital services.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Australian privacy concerns rise as trust in AI companies falls

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has released a major survey showing that privacy concerns are rising across Australia, while public trust in AI companies and social media remains extremely low.

The Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey, conducted every three years, found that 87% of respondents are more concerned about privacy than they were five years ago. The survey examines Australians’ privacy attitudes and experiences, including how recent events have shaped public expectations.

Trust was especially low for emerging and data-intensive sectors. Only 4% of respondents said they trusted AI companies, while 3% said the same for social media. Trust also declined across the insurance, telecommunications, technology, retail, and real estate sectors, while remaining highest for health service providers and Australian Government agencies.

Launching the report at the Data Privacy & Consumer Protection Summit 2026, Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said Australians’ expectations about privacy continue to sharpen as the information ecosystem becomes more complex, data-intensive, and difficult to navigate.

The OAIC said privacy complaints have increased by 73% year to date. Kind said trust is uneven across sectors and that wariness of emerging technologies is increasing, particularly around fairness, accountability, and the practical ability to exercise rights.

The survey also found that 68% of Australians would be more likely to use digital services requiring personal information if they knew their data was handled fairly and responsibly. Another 92% said data collection could be acceptable under certain conditions, including a clear purpose, consent or opt-in, limited collection, and the ability to opt out of non-essential data collection.

Kind said Australians want greater transparency in understanding their privacy rights and how their information is used, adding that improving transparency would help safeguard a healthy, informed, and vibrant democracy.

Why does it matter?

The survey shows that trust is becoming a central barrier to digital adoption, especially for AI and social media services. While Australians are willing to share data under fair and transparent conditions, the very low levels of trust in AI companies suggest that privacy, accountability, and explainability will be critical for public acceptance of emerging technologies.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!