Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Surasak Ch

Poll: Should the digital age of consent be kept at 16?

It has been argued that the age of 13 is too young for children to consent to the terms and conditions of online companies.

AN OIREACHTAS COMMITTEE heard earlier this week that it should be “frowned upon” for parents to give a smartphone to their children before a certain age.

A number of online experts argued that the digital age of consent be kept at the age of 16, rather than changed to 13 as proposed, because of the risks to children.

The digital age of consent is the age at which a person can consent to the terms and conditions of online tech companies and service providers, such as creating an email account of Facebook page.

It has been argued that the age of 13 is too young to fully consent to all of the terms and conditions of various websites, and risks exposing young people to unnecessary risks online.

In the wake of this, number of senators have tabled an amendment to the Data Protection Bill that would keep the digital age of consent at 16.

So, today we’re asking you: Should the digital age of consent be kept at 16?


Poll Results:

Yes (7605)
No (1013)
Not sure (431)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Sean Murray
View 56 comments
Close
56 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds