Protecting Vietnamese children online amid growing digital risks

Protecting Vietnamese children online amid growing digital risks

As social media use soars in Vietnam, online threats to children grow. Stronger laws, educational programs, and partnerships with tech platforms are essential to create safer digital spaces.

Dr James Kang, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at RMIT University Vietnam, offers insights to help protect children in the digital space through advanced technologies and collaborative efforts.

How can Vietnam protect children in the digital space?

With 73.3 per cent of Vietnam's population using social media in early 2024, children face significant online risks, including cyberbullying and mental health challenges. Adolescents are especially vulnerable, making it essential to adopt comprehensive safety measures.

Dr James Kang Dr Kang believes protecting children online needs education, mental health initiatives, and advanced tech solutions to tackle risks. (Photo: RMIT)

Studies show that 14 per cent of Vietnamese adolescents have experienced cyberbullying, highlighting the urgent need for educational programs and support systems. Similarly, US research reveals that teenagers who spend more than three hours daily on social media are more prone to mental health issues. In Vietnam, rising adolescent stress, anxiety, and depression from online interactions reinforce the need for mental health initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Addressing these risks requires a multi-faceted approach, technological solutions, such as age-appropriate content filters, enhanced privacy settings, and safer online environments, are crucial. Equally important is collaboration with social media platforms to enforce age restrictions and monitor harmful content. Together, these measures can help create a safer digital space for Vietnamese children.

For instance, in November 2024, Australia introduced a law requiring parental supervision for children under 16 on social media, while France implemented similar rules for children under 15. These efforts underscore the urgency for Vietnam to enhance its online child protection frameworks. However, challenges remain, such as teens bypassing restrictions and flaws in age verification systems. Leveraging AI and establishing clear regulations can help address these issues and create a safer digital environment.

Vietnam has already taken steps with Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, which requires parents to register accounts for children under 16 and supervise their online activities. This law reflects a commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring their safety in the digital world. Continued efforts to refine and enforce these regulations, while learning from international best practices, will further bolster the protection of Vietnamese children online.

What challenges might parents and governments face in enforcing a social media ban?

Enforcing a social media ban for teens presents significant challenges. Many can bypass restrictions using false information, VPNs, or fake accounts, which may lead to push back from teens, strained family relationships, and rebellious behaviours. Such measures also raise privacy concerns, potentially conflicting with laws designed to protect personal data.

Teenagers sitting at computers Teens bypassing restrictions and weak age verification systems show the need for innovation and balanced enforcement online. (Photo: Pexels)

Tech companies may argue that current age verification systems, reliant on documents like passports or birth certificates, are costly, inefficient, and prone to fraud. These systems are also easily circumvented by tech-savvy teens, making enforcement difficult. In the US, lawsuits have claimed such measures infringe on constitutional rights, further complicating implementation.

The financial burden of maintaining these systems is another point of contention. Companies warn of revenue losses from users evading restrictions and argue that enforcement responsibilities should not fall solely on them. These challenges underscore the need for collaborative, balanced approaches that address privacy, technological limitations, and the feasibility of enforcement.

How to implement age verification systems to balance child protection

Advances in age verification technology, such as AI-based facial recognition, provide a way to protect children online while respecting privacy and security concerns. A 2024 UK pilot project demonstrated that facial recognition could significantly reduce minors’ access to harmful content. Vietnam could adopt similar methods while ensuring privacy standards are upheld.

person coding on computer AI-driven age verification and privacy measures can help Vietnam create a safer digital space while building trust. (Photo: Pexels)

To strengthen these systems, tech companies can integrate AI with biometrics, offline verifications, and document checks. Partnering with specialised third parties can further enhance privacy protections and increase transparency, easing concerns from both governments and parents. Regular audits and parent education can help address risks, fostering trust and encouraging compliance.

Adopting international standards and best practices will ensure reliability and consistency across regions. This not only safeguards children but also builds user trust and aligns with privacy laws, making it a practical solution for Vietnam’s commitment to protecting children online.

What legal frameworks would need to be established to enforce a social media ban?

To effectively enforce a social media ban, Vietnam must ensure new laws align with existing privacy and constitutional rights. For instance, the US Social Media Child Protection Act highlights stringent data security requirements and could serve as a model for Vietnam to follow.

A robust and comprehensive framework would need to include age verification laws that allow the use of AI and biometric technologies while simultaneously strengthening privacy protections for personal data. Compliance with international standards like GDPR would ensure transparency and user trust. Additionally, establishing regulatory bodies to monitor implementation, impose penalties, and safeguard user rights is essential.

International collaboration and the adoption of best practices can harmonise efforts to protect children while respecting their rights. Lessons from the US and Australia show that combining legal measures with public awareness campaigns fosters community support and enhances effective enforcement.

Story: Dr James Kang, Senior Lecturer, Computer Science, School of Science, Engineering & Technology, RMIT Vietnam

Masthead image: HappyBall3692 – stock.adobe.com

10 January 2025
Engage

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