'Juvenile mode' proposed to control internet use

Guideline also restricts content, limits time online based on age categories

Juveniles will have their internet usage restricted based on their age and parents will be given greater control over the content they view, under a proposed guideline.

Mobile devices, apps, and app stores will also be required to offer a "juvenile mode" with age-appropriate content and usage limits.

The Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's top internet regulator, published the draft guideline on the development of a juvenile mode on Wednesday and is soliciting public opinion for a month. The guideline seeks to better protect minors in cyberspace, the administration said.

In recent years, the CAC has guided websites and platforms to promote the construction of a "teenager mode". Coverage of the teenager mode has been expanded, function settings optimized, and age-appropriate content increased. These measures have played a positive role in helping reduce minors' internet addiction and minimizing the influence of harmful information, it said.

To protect juveniles in cyberspace and create a safe and healthy environment for them, the draft proposes upgrading teenager mode to juvenile mode.

Providers of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and children's smartwatches must comply with the juvenile mode guideline. The new controls will also apply to providers of internet applications, distribution platforms such as app stores, and mini-program platforms.

According to the draft, once a mobile device is started, the app and distribution platform should automatically switch to the juvenile mode interface. The interface should be exited when the device is turned off.

The juvenile mode will also allow parents and minors to set shared settings on multiple devices through their accounts to improve monitoring.

Information on interfaces and data sharing should also be provided to improve parents' ability to supervise their children's internet usage and provide warnings on addictive use. Effective ways to identify harmful information and content that may affect the physical and mental health of minors are also required, the CAC said.

In addition, channels should be established to promptly accept and handle complaints involving minors.

What is deemed suitable information and services will be provided based on five age categories: under 3 years old; from 3 to 8 years old; from 8 to 12 years old; from 12 to 16 years old; and from 16 to 18 years old.

The duration of usage for devices and apps will vary according to the age category. Once the specified duration period is exceeded the programs will be automatically closed, except those used for emergencies, education purposes and tools suitable for minors.

According to the draft, network service providers such as live-streamers, audio and video platforms and online social networks should take measures to limit the amount of products and services minors can buy during a single visit and on a single day.

Additionally, in juvenile mode, information service providers will not be allowed to set up online communities, groups and topics related to fundraising or voting. They should also avoid using entertainment functions and content to entice minors to use the internet.

Internet regulators and judicial departments have recently been actively promoting the online protection of minors.

In July, the Ministry of Justice and the CAC deliberated on the Regulations on the Online Protection of Minors draft to accelerate the legislative process.

The draft regulation focuses on solving problems regarding the online protection of minors, and converting effective measures into regulations, in a bid to improve the system for integrated internet management.