It gave birth to millions of criminals: How children are getting around Chinese authorities’ gaming bans.

In November, Australia’s federal parliament passed a new law banning children under 16 from using social media. While specific details such as the platforms covered by the law or the mechanisms for enforcement remain unclear, the government plans to trial age-checking technologies as a primary enforcement tool. But China’s past experience has shown that such bans mean nothing for addicted children, according to The Conversation.

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Interestingly, video games and gaming platforms are not included in this ban, but there are lessons to be learned from China’s experience policing the online gaming habits of minors, says Tianyi Zhangshao, a PhD candidate at the University’s Sydney Games and Entertainment Laboratory. Sydney’s. China has introduced strict rules to manage children’s play time, allowing only one hour on certain days. This is due to cultural issues surrounding gambling addiction, which is often referred to as the “spiritual opium” and is considered detrimental to young people’s development.

Important

These rules include real-name verification, curfews, and “minor mods” on devices and apps. Successes such as reducing play time for more than 75% of minors have been reported at one time, but these measures raise questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and privacy risks. Facial recognition technology and identity verification have sparked controversy as many young players bypass checks by using the identities of older relatives or trading black market accounts. However, implementation problems continue.

Despite a strong regulatory framework, research shows that more than 77% of minors in China bypass restrictions; This shows that technological barriers are ineffective against determined users. Such tricks and the risk of account fraud highlight the limitations of a purely technological approach. Zhangshao says for Australia, China’s experience is a cautionary tale. Outright bans based on invasive technological measures can lead to non-compliance and even expose minors to unforeseen dangers such as fraudulent schemes.

Experts recommend that countries focus on creating a safer online space by taking joint measures with platforms. Strategies like content filtering, parental controls, and screen time management tools can provide a more balanced approach that strengthens families while protecting children’s privacy and developmental needs.

Technological enforcement is becoming an increasingly discussed solution around the world. While the Chinese example has shown some success, its heavy reliance on surveillance-focused apps clashes with global concerns about digital privacy and freedom. For democracies like Australia, a hybrid model that combines security with respect for individual rights could set a new standard in protecting young internet users.

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Moreover Focus wrote that scientists were able to restore vision lost due to a hereditary disease. Researchers have developed a new method that could help partially restore people’s vision.

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