By Noreen Jazul
A lawmaker is seeking to restrict the use of social media for children, ages 13 and below.
(PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)
Laguna 1st District Representative Dan Fernandez filed House Bill 5307, the Social Media Regulation and Protection Act of 2019, which will require social media companies to "strengthen its features restricting users under 13 years of age."
The bill will also make it mandatory for social media companies to "provide age restrictions and limitations on the use of all social media platforms," and "provide adequate and efficient notification mechanisms on declared parents of a child."
Under the measure, social media companies will be prohibited from collecting "personal and location information" from their users aged 13 and under without parental consent.
"Natural stopping points" will also be included in social media platforms, which will automatically stop users from scrolling "after a certain amount of content."
Social media use will be limited to 30 minutes per day under the proposed legislation.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology shall be responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of the bill.