Protection of the Rights of Underage Users in Social Networks: is the Impossible Possible?

INTRODUCTION. In 2026, one of the main trends in regulating the Internet as a whole can be attributed to attempts by various states to restrict access for underage users in order to protect them from destructive content, which, in fact, may cause even greater legal uncertainty and lead to the attempts of the underage users to gain access by bypassing blocking. The article analyzes both domestic and foreign terminological devices used in the relevant national and international legislation on this issue (for example, the terms “social networks”, “destructive content” (CSEA and CSAM), the rights of the child within the meaning of the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child), etc. The authors give examples of foreign legal approaches to protecting the rights of the most vulnerable category of users - children and adolescents, providing up-to-date statistical data and links to leading researchers on this issue. In conclusion, the authors propose to be guided by a flexible approach to the protection of the rights of children and adolescents, not limited only to prohibitive measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The article provides up-to-date statistical data on attempts by some countries to restrict children’s access to social networks. At the same time, the legislation and legislative initiatives of such states as the USA, Australia, Great Britain, France and Brazil on the protection of the rights of children and adolescents from CSAM and CSEA are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the statistical data on the beginning of the use of social networks in childhood; about the dangers that a minor user may face on the Internet in general, on social networks and on gaming platforms. The study is based on the historical, comparative legal methods and the method of system analysis.

RESEARCH RESULTS. As a result of the study, the authors identified three possible algorithms for solving the task of protecting the rights of minors in social networks.: 1) the legal method; 2) the technical and legal method; and 3) the psychological method. Any national approach to solving the problem should be based on a proactive approach involving cooperation between States and technology companies and the inclusion of a parental control mechanism.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The study shows that despite the potential ineffectiveness of restrictive measures for minors, states will nevertheless strive to implement these measures, since this approach seems to be the “simplest”. However, the authors note that in the absence of an alternative point of view, there is a real risk that the number of cybercrimes committed involving children and adolescents on the Internet will increase.

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