Japan eyes stricter age limits for social media

Japan’s communications ministry plans to require social media platforms to conduct stricter age verification of users to address issues such as addiction and bullying among youth, according to a draft plan presented on Wednesday.

The ministry, however, said it is undesirable to introduce a blanket age-based restriction like those being adopted overseas, given the role of social media as an important communication tool.

The Children and Families Agency will determine specific measures and whether legal revisions are necessary when the final report, expected by summer, is submitted.