Thailand pushes default child safety settings on new phones

Thailand is set to require child safety settings to be enabled by default on all new digital devices, according to the government. This initiative aims to protect young users from harmful online content, without the need for parental intervention. Following the tragic Debsirin Nonthaburi School shooting on August 7, in which nine people, including a 14-year-old student, lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries, the government has taken action.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob revealed on August 12 that the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been collaborating with leading tech companies on child safety measures. Discussions have centered on scams, fake news, and deepfakes, with Apple agreeing to modify its child protection policy.

Starting with newly released smartphones, the NBTC will activate child protection mode by default, eliminating the requirement for parents to configure the settings. While default protection will not completely eliminate children's access to restricted material, it will serve as a crucial first line of defense. Experts noted that some children could still circumvent the controls using a parent's account or other means.

Following the shooting, an examination of the student's computer revealed he had been exposed to violent social media content and learned about firearms over a period of one to two years. The NBTC is also partnering with the gaming industry to monitor user behavior and identify accounts with a strong interest in weapons, enabling relevant authorities to assess potential risks.

This approach involves cooperation with service providers, rather than outright bans. The online safety initiative is complemented by a 90-day school safety plan, unveiled on August 8, which includes mental health screenings for students and teachers, referral systems for at-risk individuals, anti-bullying measures, entrance screenings for prohibited items, and an anonymous reporting channel on the Traffy Fondue platform.