New regulations aimed at protecting children and young people from the risks and abuse associated with social media platforms have come into force in Egypt.
The Egyptian Cabinet said platforms would not be allowed to create, activate or make available independent personal accounts for children under 13.
Safe Mode required for users aged 13 to 15
Users aged 13 to 15 will be able to open social media accounts, but Safe Mode will be activated automatically and required on those accounts.
Under the decision, platforms will be responsible for verifying users’ ages and preventing attempts to circumvent the age limit. Personal data obtained during age verification will be kept to a minimum.
Platforms face two separate deadlines
Egyptian authorities have given social media platforms three months to implement the requirements of the decision. Platforms will also be required to submit an implementation plan outlining technical and operational measures within 30 days of being notified of the decision.
Children’s digital access on the global agenda
Similar regulations aimed at protecting children in the digital environment are being implemented or considered in different countries. Around 20 countries worldwide have introduced regulations governing children’s access to social media or announced that they would take steps in that direction.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on Wednesday, September 16, that the European Union planned to ban social media use by children under 13 and allow access up to the age of 15 only on a limited and supervised basis.