Key Takeaways
- Vietnam proposes social media restrictions for users under 16.
- Other countries are also implementing similar bans.
- Concerns about privacy and effectiveness of these measures persist.
Vietnam’s Proposal
Vietnam is considering a distinctive approach to social media regulation for minors. Instead of completely banning access, the government aims to allow children under 16 to keep their accounts but restrict their ability to post, comment, or react to content. This initiative is part of a draft decree from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Under the proposed rules, social media accounts for minors would need to be registered under a parent’s name, making them responsible for monitoring their child’s online activity. Social media platforms would also be required to implement technical measures to identify underage users and ensure they only access age-appropriate content.
Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam emphasized that the goal is not to impose a strict ban but to create a safer online environment for young users. The decree is still in draft form and may undergo revisions before being finalized. Additionally, Vietnam is contemplating restrictions on gaming, limiting playtime for users under 16 to 60 minutes per game.
Global Trends in Social Media Restrictions
Vietnam’s approach is part of a broader trend, with several countries announcing similar measures to protect children and teenagers from potential risks associated with social media, such as cyberbullying and mental health issues. Australia was the first to implement a ban on social media for children under 16 in December 2025, prohibiting access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
France has also joined the movement, recently passing a law to ban social media access for anyone under 15, with the law expected to take effect soon. Other nations, including Canada, Denmark, and Greece, are in various stages of proposing or implementing similar restrictions.
Concerns and Criticism
Despite the intentions behind these regulations, there are growing concerns regarding privacy and the effectiveness of such measures. Critics argue that age verification processes may invade privacy and that outright bans may not address the underlying issues faced by younger generations. Nonetheless, many governments are proceeding with their proposed legislation.
Country-Specific Measures
Australia
Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 includes major platforms like Snapchat and YouTube, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $49.5 million AUD.
Austria
Austria plans to ban social media for children up to 14, with legislation expected to be finalized soon.
Canada
Canada’s digital safety bill aims to restrict social media for users under 16, allowing companies to avoid the ban if they can demonstrate protective measures for young users.
Denmark
Denmark is set to ban social media for children under 15, with support from multiple political parties.
France
France’s law banning social media for those under 15 could be enacted as early as September.
Germany
Germany is discussing a proposal to restrict social media for users under 16, though support for an outright ban remains uncertain.
Greece
Greece plans to implement a ban on social media for children under 15 starting in January 2027, citing concerns about anxiety and sleep issues.
Indonesia
Indonesia announced a ban on social media for children under 16, focusing on popular platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Malaysia
Malaysia intends to ban social media for users under 16, with implementation planned for this year.
Poland
Poland is drafting legislation to prohibit social media access for children under 15.
Slovenia
Slovenia is working on legislation to restrict social media access for minors under 15.
Spain
Spain’s government is seeking to ban social media for children under 16, pending parliamentary approval.
Turkey
Turkey’s parliament has passed a bill to restrict social media use for children under 15, awaiting presidential approval.
UK
The UK plans to impose a ban on social media for children under 16, with a target implementation date of spring 2027.