Tencent limits number of hours gamers in China can play

Tencent will limit the number of hours gamers in China under the age of 18 can play. These enthusiasts can play up to 14 hours during their winter holiday, as it adheres to the Chinese government's rules that curb gaming addiction among teenagers. Last year China announced that it would be forbidding those under the age of 18 from playing video games for more than three hours a week.

Multiple reports, including the South China Morning Post and The Standard, said Tencent had marked 14 days, including weekends and Chinese New Year, when gamers aged under 18 can only play one hour each day. The limitation is based on the National Press and Publication Administration's mandate issued in August 2021, which outlines rules to combat addiction among minors in the country. 

Gamers aged under 18 can only play between 8pm and 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. SCMP quoted a post on Tencent's WeChat account, which warned minors "stealing their family members' identifications to bypass the restrictions would initiate the facial recognition process for logins."  The company also reminded parents they could switch on the youth mode, allowing them to protect minors from gaming addiction and inappropriate short videos.

Tencents' founder, chairman and chief executive Ma Huateng previously said the company is determined not to cross any lines, in addition to its commitment to act as a connector and assistant for China. 

Tech companies in China have been facing regulations from the government. In November 2021, Tencent was required to submit new apps or updates for inspection before uploading as its apps were said to have infringed users' rights and interests. The new requirement did not hamper the use of existing apps. In a report from Reuters, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued a notice that all mobile apps and updates will need to have a review before uploading to app stores. It was reported that the process will take about seven days.

A spokesman of Tencent said, "We are continuously working to enhance user protection features within our apps, and also have regular cooperation with relevant government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance. Our apps remain functional and available for download."

(Photo courtesy: 123RF)

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