Chinese authorities have limited the time children can spend playing video games. Now, they can only be played for three hours a week at a specially designated time – 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as holidays. This was reported by the Xinhua News Agency.
Outside the period indicated, the gaming platforms refrain from providing services to minors. For identification, the player must indicate when registering real names and phone numbers.
In 2019, the PRC introduced a ban on online games for children at night. On weekdays they could play for an hour and a half, on weekends – no more than three.
The teenagers have learned to circumvent the prohibitions. So, in 2021, a facial recognition system was introduced in the country when registering for the games. Now, to register, a new player must undergo a facial scan. If the user refuses the procedure, he is considered a minor and cannot play at night.
Authorities in the PRC have started to pay increased attention to young video game users in recent years. The government believes that playing online for too long contributes to the deterioration of children’s health and school performance. The new rules are designed to “protect the mental and physical health of minors”.
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