Google Unveils a Policy Framework to Protect Children and Teens Online

The Legislative Framework to Protect Children and Teens Online, which outlines principles for laws aimed at improving online safety for young internet users, has been issued by Google. The framework emphasises the need for age-appropriate features and services that are safe. Google is actively working on such safeguards, such as parental controls in YouTube’s Family Link and non-personalized advertising for children and teenagers. The framework favours legislative models based on age-appropriate design principles and supports the premise that technology firms have a duty to build safer online environments.

However, the framework cautions policymakers to proceed in a manner to prevent unexpected outcomes such as restricting access to important services or collecting unnecessary personal information. The objective is to work with a varied range of organisations to achieve strong, uniform standards for online safety while respecting distinctive viewpoints.