The Japanese government is taking firm steps to combat growing digital dependency among young people. According to reports published this Tuesday, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is considering implementing new regulations that would require social media companies to incorporate age restrictions from the moment a user registers or begins using their platforms.

Filters activated by default

Currently, most apps allow users to create accounts and browse immediately with protection settings deactivated or at their most permissive level. The new proposal seeks to radically change this paradigm, requiring that appropriate age-based security tools be activated automatically from the first login. Additionally, the plan includes establishing a government system to independently evaluate the specific risks each digital platform may pose to minors.

The main goal of these measures is to mitigate severe problems resulting from excessive social media use, including sleep disorders, anxiety, and exposure to inappropriate content. Unlike other countries that have opted to debate total bans for certain ages, Japan’s approach focuses on prevention through built-in security features from the code’s foundation.

The debate between protection and privacy

Despite the good intentions behind the project, the proposal has sparked intense debate. Various analysts and digital rights advocates have warned that it is crucial to examine the details of these new rules before amending existing laws. They emphasize that young people have the full right to access information and knowledge, and that social media often serve as refuges where they find supportive communities and a sense of belonging.

There are also serious concerns about how these regulations will affect privacy and personal data protection in general, as the implementation of strict age verification methods would inevitably impact adult users as well. Experts strongly advise against blindly copying legislation from other countries, urging instead the design of a balanced model that protects minors without compromising the free flow of ideas. Japanese authorities plan to reach final conclusions on the guidelines for this plan by summer 2026.