New data protection rules could block under-16s from social media access without parental consent, denying them rights to expression and information.
The EU commissioned the GDPR with aims to allow users to take control of what personal information companies and the government have on them and more transparency on how its used.
These regulations empower the adult internet user population but whether intentional or not it can dis-empower millions of young internet users.
This dis-empowers the youth by putting age restrictions on social media outlets such as Instagram or Snapchat and blocks them from accessing these sites without parental consent.
Opinion
In my opinion this is an attack on young peoples basic human rights as social media is a place where people go to express their opinions, interact with peers and family, learn about the news, as well as obtain access to services.
Denying them access to social media is a depraving act and a vicious attack on their human rights as it violates their right to express themselves and denies them the ability to gain new information.
Some may argue that if they want access to social media they can just ask for consent from their parents, but its not that simple, some people may not have the ability to ask their parents due to one reason or another, this could result in unequal access for children whose parents may not have the literacy or technology skills to provide the consent, as well as those parents who may be afraid to fill out forms that they fear might get into the hands of immigration authorities or other government officials.
In conclusion if they go ahead with their original plan everyone under 16 will be subject to these regulations and will have their internet freedoms restricted and in effect wont have the ability to express themselves or learn things on social media.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42153694
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