Expert warns about risks of social media recommendation algorithms for children

Recommendation algorithms of social networks can pose a danger to children, as they direct minor users to certain, including dangerous, content.

Australia became the first country where, from December 10, 2025, restrictions on the use of a number of social platforms by children under 16 years of age began to apply.

Expert Rachel Tan believes that it is necessary to evaluate the characteristics of recommendation algorithms when children use services and take measures to protect minors in the digital environment.

MOSCOW, September 26 - RIA Novosti. Recommendation algorithms of social networks can pose a particular danger to children, since they can repeatedly direct minor users to certain, including dangerous, content, New Zealand expert and cyber law specialist at the University of Waikato, Rachel Tan, told RIA Novosti.

Australia became the first country to introduce national restrictions on the use of a number of social platforms by children under 16 from 10 December 2025. After this, similar or similar initiatives began to be considered in other countries. New Zealand also introduced an online safety bill in August, introducing age restrictions for users and additional responsibilities for platforms to protect minors.

"I would pay particular attention to algorithmic recommendation systems. These systems determine what content users see and can repeatedly show them or direct them to certain types of content based on engagement," Tan said.

According to the expert, the task of regulation is not necessarily to ban recommendation algorithms. In her opinion, it is necessary to evaluate the specifics of their work in cases where children use the services.

“This could include greater transparency about how content is recommended, assessing whether certain systems increase children's exposure to harmful materials, and requiring appropriate protections where foreseeable risks are identified,” she explained.

Tan stressed that age restrictions can reduce the exposure of some children to harmful digital environments, but they do not in themselves eliminate the characteristics of this environment. According to her, platforms must not only assess the risks associated with content, advertising, behavioral profiling and service design, but also take real and proportionate measures to mitigate them.