South Korea’s Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) said on July 16 it was reviewing amendments to the Information and Communications Network Act to restrict social media sign-ups for children under 14.

The proposal would also limit features such as infinite scroll and recommendation algorithms for users aged 14 to under 19.

The proposal would allow exceptions with parental consent, require age and identity checks, and strengthen parental controls, while President Lee Jae Myung called for public consensus before the final scope is set.

The move comes amid long-running concern about excessive internet use among young people. A national survey of 57,857 South Korean middle and high school students found 12.4% met the criteria for addictive internet use.

The commission cited a wider policy shift overseas, with countries including Australia, the UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

🔗 Source: Chosun Daily