China to Introduce 'Electronic Identity Verification' for Online Games Targeting Youth

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The Chinese government is establishing a system requiring minors to undergo an 'electronic identity verification' process when playing online games.

According to Xinlang.com on the 28th, the State Council of China announced in the 'China Child Development Guidelines' that it will introduce a unified electronic identity verification system for minors playing online games.

Earlier, on the 30th of last month, Chinese authorities implemented strict measures to limit youth online gaming.

The Chinese government has restricted gaming time for youth to 3 hours per week. Game companies are prohibited from allowing those under 18 to play games from Monday to Thursday. Youths can only play games for one hour from 8 to 9 PM on Fridays through Sundays.

Chinese IT companies are also joining this trend. The short video application 'Douyin' has strengthened its addiction prevention system. Douyin will limit usage time for users under 14 to 40 minutes per day.