SAHRC urges sweeping legal changes to protect children online

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is calling for stronger laws to protect children from online abuse, cyberbullying, grooming, commercial harvesting of their personal data and algorithms that expose young users to harmful content. Its new report says existing laws are failing to keep pace with digital risks and recommends amendments to five statutes. Commissioner Nomahlubi Khwinana says children should be recognised as rights-holders who participate in decisions about their online safety and privacy. She warns that platforms may collect and retain children’s data before they can understand the implications or give meaningful consent.