International position on access restriction: From Age Gate to Age-Appropriate Design

This statement sets out 5Rights’ international position on children’s access to digital products and services and the role of age restrictions in keeping children safe online. Blanket age restrictions alone cannot address the underlying design choices and business models that create and amplify harm. While access restrictions can play a role, they should not substitute for age-appropriate design.

We call for a systemic, technology-neutral approach that puts responsibility on tech companies to demonstrate that their products and services are safe, rights-respecting and age-appropriate before they reach children. This statement sets out a framework centred on safety by design and default, independent pre-market certification, robust oversight and proportionate age assurance.