When it comes to online safety and harm, much of the discussion has revolved around social media companies – their algorithms, their design choices, and their perceived failure to protect youth from harm. While these conversations are vital and 100% needed, are we overlooking other key players who enable access to these platforms? Namely, companies like Apple, Google, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These entities are the gateways, providing the tools and access points that make downloading and using apps possible. Should they not bear some significant responsibility in ensuring that youth are shielded from inappropriate or harmful content? Our answer to that question is – YES!
A common argument we hear – “We have laws that regulate the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. Youth are also required to wait until a certain age to get a driver’s license. Why shouldn’t we impose similar restrictions on social media platforms to protect young people?”
On the surface, this analogy makes sense. For instance:
- Alcohol and tobacco laws exist to protect minors from substances that can harm their physical and mental well-being.
- Driving age laws are in place because operating a vehicle requires maturity, judgment, and responsibility.
So why not apply the same logic to the onlife world, especially when evidence shows that unsupervised access to social media can sometimes have negative effects on youth?
Here’s the issue – if an underage teen somehow gets access to alcohol or tobacco, it’s not the liquor company or tobacco manufacturer that faces consequences. Instead, the bar, store owner, or adult who sold the item to the minor is the one who is fined or penalized.
Yet, when it comes to social media, we’re solely blaming the social media company for underage users accessing inappropriate apps, games, and platforms. This begs the question – shouldn’t we also hold accountable those enabling access to these apps and social media platforms, such as Apple, Google, and yes, even ISPs? (1)(2)(3) After all, these companies create the ecosystem that allows apps to be downloaded and used without age verification or proper safeguards. (4)
Let’s consider the role of Apple and Google specifically. As the gatekeepers of app distribution (through the App Store and Google Play), they have the power to:
- Enforce stricter age verification measures during app downloads. However, age verification also has its challenges (5)(6)
- Block access to apps flagged as inappropriate for minors.
- Require parental consent for accounts linked to youth users.
However, in most cases, their policies rely on simple self-declaration of age, which is easy to bypass. For example, a 12-year-old can claim to be 18, download a social media app, and gain full access within minutes. This lack of accountability raises important questions about their role in protecting youth.
Similarly, ISPs are responsible for providing internet access to and from households. If Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is going to be shared, it needs to be sent and received through and ISP. There is open-source technology that allow ISPs to combat CSAM on their platforms, but many do not take advantage of it. (7) ISPs should be regulated to implement such technology. While some ISP’s also offer parental controls, these are often optional, leaving families to figure out complex systems on their own. Shouldn’t there be an obligation for ISPs to actively assist parents in managing internet access for minors?
If we follow the logic of alcohol and tobacco laws, it stands to reason that Apple, Google, and ISPs should also bear legal responsibility for allowing minors to access apps or platforms deemed unsuitable for their age group. Here are some actionable ideas that we have thought of:
- Mandatory Age Verification Technology – Apple and Google could implement more robust age-verification processes on device. This would significantly reduce (not eliminate) the risk of minors bypassing restrictions.
- Parental Consent Requirements – Before allowing the download of certain apps, platforms could require parental approval linked to a verified adult account. This ensures parents are aware of what their children are accessing.
- Legal Penalties for Gatekeepers – Governments could introduce laws holding gatekeepers accountable if they fail to implement adequate safeguards. For instance, if an underage user downloads an age-restricted app without proper verification, the app store or ISP could face fines or penalties.
- Proactive Internet Service Providers – ISPs should offer built-in tools to help parents filter and monitor internet access. More importantly, these tools should be enabled by default for accounts registered to families with minors.
By holding gatekeepers accountable, we’re addressing the issue at its source -where it is downloaded and transmitted. Absolutely, social media companies play a role in creating safe environments, but they are not the only stakeholders. Apple, Google, and ISPs are hugely profiting from youth access to apps and platforms, and it’s only fair that they share the responsibility for ensuring safe and age-appropriate access.
Protecting youth in the onlife world requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond social media companies. While these platforms undeniably hold responsibility for creating safer environments, they are not the sole enablers of access. Apple, Google, and ISPs play a crucial role as gatekeepers, facilitating the pathways that allow minors to engage with these apps and platforms. It is time for these entities to step up and adopt stronger safeguards, such as mandatory age verification, parental consent requirements, and proactive parental control tools.
Governments and policymakers must also consider introducing laws and regulations that hold these gatekeepers accountable for neglecting their responsibility to protect young users, rather than just focussing on the social media platforms. By broadening the focus of accountability to include all players in the ecosystem, we can better ensure that youth are not only safeguarded but also empowered to navigate the digital world responsibly. Ultimately, creating a safer digital space for children and teens is a shared responsibility – one that must be embraced by all stakeholders, including parents who need to also take more responsibility. (8)
By addressing the role of gatekeepers like Apple, Google, and ISPs, we can foster a more balanced approach to online safety that does not rely solely on social media companies as scapegoats. These entities have the technical expertise, financial and human resources, and influence to implement real, meaningful changes that can reduce the risk of harm to young users. For instance, age-verification systems that go beyond self-reported data, parental approval mechanisms tied to verified accounts, and default parental controls on internet access can all make a significant difference in protecting minors.
This shift in accountability would also send a powerful message – that safeguarding youth in the digital space is a collective responsibility. It is not enough to point fingers at one segment of the digital ecosystem while ignoring the broader network that facilitates access. By holding all stakeholders to higher standards, social media platforms, gatekeepers, policymakers, parents, and caregivers, we can create a multi-layered system of protection that prioritizes the well-being of youth over profits
Now is the time to ask – if we hold physical-world vendors accountable for underage access to restricted products like alcohol and tobacco, why shouldn’t we apply the same logic to those gatekeepers who are enabling unrestricted digital access? Only by broadening our focus can we hope to create a safer, more equitable online experience for the next generation.
Protecting children in the digital age is a shared responsibility. Parents, educators, policymakers, social media platforms, and digital gatekeepers all have roles to play. However, by focusing too narrowly on social media companies, we risk missing the bigger picture. It’s time to broaden the conversation and hold all enablers of access accountable, ensuring that youth are not only safe but also supported in their online journeys.
Finally, even if all the recommendations and strategies outlined in this article are successfully implemented, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to recognize that laws and regulations can only address part of the challenge. The cornerstone of ensuring our children’s safety and well-being in today’s digitally connected, “onlife” world lies in proactive parenting. This includes fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, choosing the right age-appropriate tech at the right time, and staying actively involved in our children’s online activities.
Equally important is the role of digital literacy and internet safety education. By equipping young people with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to navigate the digital landscape, we empower them to make safer choices, identify potential risks, and take ownership of their online experiences, and build resiliency. When combined, informed parenting and comprehensive education create a resilient foundation that not only protects but also prepares children to thrive in an ever evolving onlife world.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/enforcing-internet-service-providers-terms-of-service/
3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/cellular-tos/
4/ https://content.c3p.ca/pdfs/C3P_AppAgeRatingReport_en.pdf
7/ https://www.netsweeper.com/government/combating-csam-game-changing-solution-isps
