South Korea Media Commission Says Meta’s Youth Protection Changes Should Apply Globally

South Korea’s media regulator, the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), has called for global action on social media companies’ responsibility to protect minors. The commission’s statement follows a landmark settlement in the United States where Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and implement measures to curb youth addiction and mental health harm.

The KMCC is not simply echoing Washington’s concerns; it’s taking the lead on an issue that transcends borders. Seoul is poised to introduce stricter rules for social media platforms serving minors, with seven bills pending in parliament aimed at strengthening online protections. These proposals include restricting access to users under 14 and limiting algorithms that encourage excessive use among teenagers.

The KMCC believes Meta’s proposed measures – which include limits on usage time, restrictions on notifications, stronger age-verification tools, non-algorithmic feeds, and hidden engagement metrics for younger users – should be applied globally. This is not a call for regulatory imperialism; it’s a recognition of the transnational nature of social media platforms and their impact on youth.

South Korea’s push for global action reflects its own concerns about excessive screen time and the role of recommendation algorithms in keeping young users engaged. The country has been moving toward stricter oversight, with KMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol reviewing phased restrictions on minors’ social media use, including limits on algorithms and other features that encourage excessive use.

The debate over protecting children online is complex, with proposed restrictions drawing criticism over privacy concerns and enforcement questions. However, the KMCC’s stance highlights a growing global consensus: social media companies must take responsibility for safeguarding youth.

Meta’s proposed changes are a step in the right direction, but they should be implemented worldwide, not just in the United States or South Korea. The company’s agreement to pay up to $18 billion is a staggering reminder of the financial and reputational costs of neglecting social media’s impact on minors.

If implemented globally, these measures could set a new standard for social media companies, forcing them to prioritize youth protection over profit. This shift in focus would require significant changes to algorithms and platform features, potentially disrupting the business model of social media giants.

The clock is ticking for Meta and other social media companies as South Korea’s parliament debates the seven pending bills. The KMCC will continue to push for global action, testing whether these companies can adapt to changing regulations or if they’ll continue to prioritize their bottom line over youth welfare.

Governments around the world are weighing in on this issue, and one thing is clear: protecting minors online requires a coordinated effort that transcends national borders. It’s time for social media companies to step up and take responsibility for their impact on youth – before it’s too late.