China Proposes Internet Restrictions for Minors
Introduction
China is proposing to restrict internet access to minors and children in order to curb internet addiction. The Tech sector regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, announced that individuals under 18 will not be allowed to access the internet via a mobile device between 10pm and 6am each day.
Graduated System
The regulator plans to implement a graduated system where young people will have different amounts of internet access based on their age. Children under eight years old will be limited to 40 minutes per day, while those between 16 and 18 will have a maximum of two hours of access per day.
Age-Appropriate Content and Break Reminders
In addition to restricted access, content must also be age-appropriate. Furthermore, youngsters will be reminded to take breaks every 30 minutes.
Implementation and Purpose
The proposed changes are currently open to public discussion and are set to come into force on September 2. The Cyberspace Administration of China states that these revisions are necessary to better utilize the positive aspects of the internet, create a healthy online environment, prevent and address the issue of minors’ internet addiction, and guide them towards forming good habits. These changes align with several pre-existing laws.
Control in China
China is able to implement such granular control due to its real name registration systems for online activities and the high compliance standards imposed on its tech companies.
Previous Interventions
In 2021, the Chinese government intervened similarly to limit online game time for minors. It also suspended approvals for new game licenses and permits for commercial exploitation, impacting companies like Tencent. These recent measures, including the removal of fake news and new rules on generative AI, indicate that Chinese authorities continue to exert strict control over the tech sector.
Impact on Tech Stocks
Following a massive fine imposed on Alibaba affiliate Ant Group and the apparent green light for an IPO restart, some believed that China’s regulatory crackdown on the tech sector was coming to an end. This optimism led to a 25% rally in the tech stock index in Hong Kong. However, on Wednesday, shares of Alibaba fell by 2.8%, Tencent shares fell by 3%, and Baidu saw a drop of 3.75% in its shares.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they involve regulating internet access for minors to address internet addiction and create a safe online environment.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- SDG 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- SDG 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
The targets identified are related to promoting mental health and well-being, providing quality education for sustainable development, increasing access to the Internet, and protecting fundamental freedoms.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of non-communicable disease-related premature deaths among minors
- Number of minors with internet addiction
- Amount of time minors spend on the internet
- Number of age-appropriate online content
- Number of reminders for minors to take breaks while using the internet
- Number of fake news and business-related information removed by internet providers and platforms
The article mentions indicators such as non-communicable disease-related premature deaths, internet addiction among minors, time spent on the internet, age-appropriate online content, reminders for breaks, and removal of fake news and business-related information.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | – Number of non-communicable disease-related premature deaths among minors – Number of minors with internet addiction |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | – Amount of time minors spend on the internet – Number of age-appropriate online content – Number of reminders for minors to take breaks while using the internet |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020. | – Amount of time minors spend on the internet |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. | – Number of fake news and business-related information removed by internet providers and platforms |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: variety.com
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