Medianama: Shift to Safety-by-Default for Social Media Platforms Proposed
Experts at a Medianama roundtable in New Delhi discussed evolving safety-by-design principles into safety-by-default models for social media platforms, particularly concerning child protection.
A recent discussion in India on social media safety has proposed a shift from "safety-by-design" to a "safety-by-default" model. At a roundtable hosted by Medianama in New Delhi, experts emphasized that platforms should implement default settings that protect children, such as restricting location sharing and content access for under-18s.
The discussion highlighted the need to focus on curbing aggressive algorithms rather than solely on content moderation. "Zero-knowledge proofs" were presented as a technology that could verify age without revealing personal data, and "disposable digital identities" were offered as an alternative to traceable, Aadhaar- or mobile-linked verifications.
Experts also cautioned against overly strict design regulations, warning they could push users to less regulated platforms. They noted the lack of evidence for screen time restrictions' effectiveness and that replacing personalized feeds with chronological ones could leave children feeling "uncomfortable or unsafe."
However, it was noted that regulatory nudges have proven effective in driving change. For instance, the UK's "Age Appropriate Design Code" led to significant platform adjustments. China's model, where children's social media use is restricted at night and companies are fined for communication during school hours, was also highlighted as an example of effective regulation.