Shanghai Regulators Mandate Platforms to Mitigate Child Mental Health Risks
Shanghai's cyberspace administration has convened platforms like Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, and Pinduoduo to address seven key mental health risks for minors. The focus is on strengthening platform responsibility and prevention.
Shanghai's cyberspace administration has instructed major online platforms, including Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, and Pinduoduo, to enhance measures against seven specific mental health risks affecting minors. The directive was issued following a September 30 meeting aimed at reinforcing platform accountability and improving the online environment for children.
The meeting highlighted typical cases of illegal and harmful content targeting minors. Authorities emphasized the need to address issues such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, body image anxiety, the spread of self-harm content, excessive online social interaction, new AI-driven threats, and the dissemination of negative values.
Regulators are pushing platforms to shift from reactive content moderation to proactive risk prevention. Key strategies include improving algorithmic controls, refining child-specific modes, optimizing reporting channels, and bolstering the detection of high-risk content. The administration also called for stricter regulation of AI applications, curbs on aggressive marketing, and increased provision of positive content.
The administration announced plans for intensified supervision and inspections, with strict penalties for non-compliant platforms. The initiative aims to boost minors' digital literacy and foster healthy online habits.