Andorra Telecom’s new 0 GB rate, designed for the first mobile, will not prevent minors from accessing social networks. Despite removing mobile data, devices will be able to continue browsing when connected to one home or public Wi-Fi network. The operator clarifies that the proposal aims to facilitate a progressive incorporation into telephony without encouraging a permanent connection and that families must play a key role in regulating the interaction with the internet of minors.
Teenagers using mobile phones.
The clarification comes amid debate about the bill amending the rights of children and adolescentswhich incorporates restrictions on social networks for those under the age of sixteen. The text provides for banning them access to platforms that involve risks for physical, mental or moral development. It will be the Government who will have to determine by regulation which services are affected, after assessing the new risks and with a mandatory technical report. The list will have to be approved within a maximum of six months from the approval of the law and reviewed at least every two years. The assessment will assess violent or sexual content, addictive behavior and privacy mechanisms. For the rest of the social networks, children under the age of sixteen will need parental permission. This regulation is not equivalent, however, to the operation of the tariff without data. Andorra Telecom it specifies that Wi-Fi connections are independent of the mobile contract and that the 0 GB tariff does not include any blocking of social networks when these networks are used.
What the operator does make available to the public is the free Protected Internet servicewhich can be activated both on a mobile line and the home wifi connection. This tool filters access to pages with inappropriate content, but the company insists that technological measures must be accompanied by pedagogy and family supervision, in the first contacts with the devices.
The legislative project reinforces precisely these obligations. Telecom companies will have to provide free parental control functionality available and activate them by default in the initial configuration. They will also have to promote age verification mechanisms and harmful content filtering systems, in addition toprovide advice to families on safe and healthy use of screens. Parents will have to monitor connection time and access to content, video games and social networks, according to the age and maturity of the children.
The reform also recognizes the right of minors to digital disconnection, privacy protection and managing your internet footprint. The administrations will have to promote digital education and the detection of addictive behaviors. The text foresees a maximum of six months for administrations and operators to adapt to the obligations.
Keys
- A FIRST MOBILE WITH NO DATA TO START. The rate allows minors to have a telephone line to communicate without having permanent access to the internet for data.
- LIMITED ACCESS TO ITERNET, BUT WITH WIFI. The fee does not block networks. Minors can continue to access the internet and applications when connected to Wi-Fi.
- PARENTAL CONTROL AND MORE PROTECTION. Responsible use of the first mobile phone is encouraged, but does not replace parental control or protective measures.
