Azerbaijan tightens rules to protect children from harmful social media content

By adopting amendments to the law "On the Protection of Children from Harmful Information," Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis has taken an important step toward limiting the negative impact of social media platforms on children and shaping a healthy future generation, Ramid Namazov, chairman of the parliament's temporary commission on countering foreign interference and hybrid threats, said at a public discussion, Report informs.

The discussion was held on the topic "Digital development, artificial intelligence and protection of children from the harmful effects of social media platforms."

According to him, the experience of several developed countries was carefully studied during the preparation of the draft law.

"The issue of information security in Azerbaijan also means protecting the psychological health and future of children. Under the amendments, a minimum age has been set for creating accounts on social networks, and the responsibility of providers has been significantly increased. Platforms are required to introduce digital solutions operating on a continuous basis to prevent the spread of harmful content that poses a threat to children's lives, health, sexual inviolability, honor and dignity, and to remove such content immediately after it is detected," the MP said.

He added that the protection of children's personal data has also been strengthened. Except in cases of age verification, it is prohibited to use minors' personal data for commercial purposes or targeted advertising, or to transfer such data to third parties.