The Cabinet of Ministers of Cyprus has approved a plan to protect children online.

The main change is that the minimum age for using social networks will be 15. Those younger than that will be barred from access.

Responsibility for age verification will fall on the platforms themselves. They will have to put in place reliable mechanisms to confirm users’ age. The corresponding bill will be put out for public consultation and then, in December, put to a vote in parliament.

A digital age-verification mechanism is also planned. Within a year it will be added to the “Digital Citizen” app so that users can confirm their age without disclosing other personal data. Special attention will be given to schools. Curricula will be updated to teach children about safe and useful use of the internet. Teachers will receive special training, and seminars and campaigns for parents and schoolchildren will be held on how to protect children online.

According to the authorities, 98% of young people in Cyprus actively use social media — the highest figure in the European Union. At the same time, they have low skills in critically assessing information. The government believes that protecting children online can no longer depend only on the platforms themselves or on parents. The safety and well-being of the child are named an unconditional priority.

Source: en.philenews.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/kipr-zapretit-soczseti-detyam