Bangkok: The Ministry of Social Development and Human Resources has endorsed Apple's initiative to enhance child protection systems by regulating content and screen time, while also calling for private sector involvement in fostering an AI-literate society. The collaboration aims to control content and screen time to prevent adverse effects on development and to engage private entities in promoting artificial intelligence awareness and understanding.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, Advisor to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, was tasked by Minister Nikorn Somklang to meet with Mr. Mike Orgill, Executive Director for Asia Pacific at Apple Inc., to discuss online safety for children and youth. The discussions focused on utilizing devices for enhancing human capital development. Mr. Chanin disclosed that there was a consensus to advance the 'Child Protection' system as a standard feature on devices, which will function as a parental control mechanism. This system will set age-appropriate content restrictions, improve detection and blurring of inappropriate content, and alert parents whenever a child attempts to access unsuitable material, requiring parental consent for access.
Mr. Chanin also highlighted the ministry's ongoing efforts to develop public guidelines on appropriate screen time for children, aimed at informing parents about suitable screen time durations for different age groups to prevent developmental issues. He urged private companies to assist in disseminating and promoting these guidelines.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the enhancement of livelihoods and employment opportunities for people with disabilities through the use of technological devices. Both parties agreed to back training programs that would enable the use of Apple devices equipped with eye-controlled systems, voice commands, and screen-reading features, thus ensuring more equitable access to technology for people with disabilities.
Mr. Chanin remarked on the dual nature of artificial intelligence, stating, "The advent of AI, or artificial intelligence, has both benefits and serious drawbacks if society is not prepared in time. I request the cooperation of various private sectors in working together with the government to establish appropriate regulatory measures, as well as help raise awareness among all groups so that they can keep pace with it."