What is the Child Gaming Law in China?
In September 2021, China implemented a new law aimed at regulating the gaming industry and promoting a healthier online gaming environment for children. The law, also known as the "Administrative Measures for the Online Gaming Industry," sets limits on the amount of time minors can spend playing video games and requires gaming companies to implement measures to protect young players.
Prohibitions and Restrictions
According to the law, minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from playing video games during the school week, and their daily gaming time is limited to one hour on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, all gaming companies must install a "minor mode" on their platforms, which prohibits minors from accessing certain games or features.
Exemptions
However, there are some exemptions to the restrictions. Minors who are 14 years old or older and are enrolled in vocational schools or have completed their compulsory education can play games for longer periods of time. Furthermore, parents or legal guardians can apply for exemptions on behalf of their children, allowing them to play games for up to three hours per day.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The law also requires gaming companies to install monitoring systems to track players’ ages and gaming habits. The companies must also report any violations of the law to the relevant authorities. In addition, the government has established a number of bodies to enforce the law, including the China Internet Network Information Center, the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, and the China Association of Computer Systems.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Gaming companies that fail to comply with the law face severe penalties, including fines, suspension of their gaming licenses, and even shutdowns. Individuals who violate the law can also be fined and may have their gaming accounts suspended or terminated.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The law has had a significant impact on the gaming industry in China, with many companies scrambling to comply with the new regulations. Some companies have announced plans to delay the release of new games or to modify their existing games to comply with the law. Others have pledged to implement stricter measures to protect minors, including limits on in-game purchases and advertisements.
Benefits of the Law
The law is intended to promote a healthier online gaming environment for children and to reduce the negative impacts of gaming addiction. By limiting the amount of time minors can spend playing games, the law aims to reduce the risk of addiction and to promote more balanced lifestyles. The law also aims to protect children from online harassment and exploitation, and to promote the development of more family-friendly games.
Comparison to Other Countries
China’s child gaming law is one of the most stringent in the world, with few other countries imposing similar restrictions on minors. In contrast, many Western countries, such as the United States and the European Union, have implemented more lenient regulations, with some countries not imposing any restrictions at all.
Conclusion
China’s child gaming law is a significant step towards promoting a healthier online gaming environment for children. By setting limits on the amount of time minors can spend playing games and requiring gaming companies to implement measures to protect young players, the law aims to reduce the negative impacts of gaming addiction and to promote more balanced lifestyles. As the law takes effect, it will be important to monitor its impact and to make adjustments as needed to ensure that it achieves its intended goals.