Legal regulation and government regulation of the behavior of minors on the Internet: foreign experience

Abstract

This research is dedicated to examination of the systems of legal regulation and government regulation of the activity of minors on the Internet. The novelty of this works is substantiated by introduction of new empirical material into the scientific discourse. It is stated that practice of the developed countries is characterized with normative consolidation of heightened obligations of business structures that render Internet services and access to digital infrastructure.  The practice of mandatory age verification of the consumers became widespread among commercial structures. The scope of responsibilities of oversight bodies with regards to activity of website owners, providers, mobile operators, sellers of gadgets and other equipment, cultural and educational establishments that provide Internet access to minors has been significantly increased. The described measures in regulation of the Internet activity of minors also suggest parental assistance. The author comes to a conclusion that the established in foreign countries system of legal regulation of the behavior of minors on the Internet, as well as the existing practice of social life in this sphere, may be implemented by the Russian Federation into national legislation.