BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 27. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on measures
to protect children from harmful content and influences in the
digital environment, Trend reports.
The decree says the following:
The development of information and communication technologies
and the widespread application of digital technologies in
Azerbaijan have led to the significant place of social networks in
the system of public relations. The rapid digitalization of social
relations and the entry of social networks into the daily lives of
children at an increasingly early age, the increase in the scale of
production, spread, and consumption of information through these
networks, necessitate the analysis and improvement of the current
state of legal regulation in this area in terms of modern
technological, social, and security challenges.
Studies by international organizations and scientific research
institutions, the experience of other countries show that attention
to the protection of children in the digital environment, the
application of special legal protection, and technological
protection mechanisms are required for their psychological
well-being and safety, and healthy development. This approach
recommends that states directly protect the privacy, dignity, and
security of children in the digital environment. In international
practice, the widespread application of requirements that regulate
the activities of social networks, reduce risks to them for
children, and establish obligations for more stringent data
protection and security is observed.
These new requirements ensure the safety of children and
adolescents in the digital environment through the systematic legal
framework of regulating the activities of social networks, parental
control, on-platform security mechanisms, and age-appropriate
content filters, as well as creating conditions for their critical
information analysis, development of behavioral and information
culture.
A decision was made to take a balanced, evidence-based, and
systematic approach to the protection of children in the digital
environment, promote digital skills in the use of social networks,
form a culture of online behavior, and develop creative digital
potential.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan must:
Prepare and submit to the President of Azerbaijan draft
normative legal acts covering the protection of children from
harmful content and influences on social networks in the country,
including the application of age restrictions when registering on
social networks, within three months with the involvement of
relevant state bodies (institutions), scientific institutions and
organizations, specialists and civil society institutions, and
taking into account international experience.
Ensure that measures are taken to determine and implement rules
for the use of mobile and electronic devices in preparatory groups
and general education institutions.
Take measures to include digital literacy, cybersecurity, and
responsible online behavior in educational programs (curricula) for
preparatory and general education subjects, including content
standards, as well as to develop and implement awareness-raising
programs aimed at parents, teachers, and children in the media.
Take measures to implement regular educational work on ensuring
the lawful use of social networks and the protection of children's
rights during such use, including the promotion of scientific
research on the digital well-being of children.
Resolve other issues arising from this decree.
