Vietnam is preparing new rules that would prevent children under the age of 16 from posting content, commenting, or reacting on social media platforms as the country steps up efforts to improve online safety for minors.
According to a draft government decree reviewed by Reuters, social media companies would be required to register accounts belonging to users under 16 using the information of a parent or legal guardian. Parents would also be responsible for supervising the content their children view and the amount of time they spend on social media.
The proposed regulations would require platforms to introduce technical measures to identify child users and ensure they receive age-appropriate content. Authorities say the goal is not to block children from using social media entirely but to create a safer online environment that reduces their exposure to harmful content.
Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, Vietnam’s Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam said the main objective is to protect children from inappropriate online risks rather than impose a complete ban on social media access.
Under the draft rules, social media companies would also have to provide the highest level of privacy protection for child accounts. Platforms would be expected to actively detect, warn users about, and block access to harmful content, including material related to violence, pornography, gambling, illegal drugs, suicide, and other dangerous topics.
The proposal comes as governments around the world continue introducing stricter measures to protect children online. Earlier this week, French lawmakers approved a ban on social media access for children under 15, while Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for young users. Several other countries are also considering similar legislation.
Vietnam’s proposed changes extend beyond social media. The draft decree also introduces new restrictions on online gaming for minors. Game publishers would be required to verify players’ ages, register accounts for children under 16 through a parent or legal guardian, and limit those users to a maximum of 60 minutes of gameplay per day across games offered by the same company.
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The draft decree has not yet been finalized and could still be revised before it becomes law.
