The European Union is set to enforce age-based restrictions for minors on social media platforms, as announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday. This development accompanies a report by a panel of experts assembled last year to devise a European strategy for safeguarding children online. The report suggests that children under 13 should have “time-limited” access to social media, under parental supervision. More details are available here.
Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of introducing age-appropriate restrictions, stating that the core issue is the timing and manner of social media’s access to children. Although she refrained from specifying a minimum age, a draft law is expected by early fall. The approach reflects a commitment shared by several European countries, with France and Spain exploring similar bans for underage users. This regional effort also aligns with international moves, as countries like Australia have recently enacted comparable legislation.
Currently, social media platforms restrict users under 13 due to EU privacy rules and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The potential new law aims to extend this framework by introducing a “staged approach” to internet use as children mature, a concept von der Leyen finds compelling.
The proposed regulations arrive amid growing concern about the impact of social media on children’s mental and physical health, a priority for von der Leyen in her second term. Her statement underscores the importance of real-world experiences for children’s development, advocating for time spent away from screens to encourage face-to-face interactions and personal growth.
Despite broad support, the proposal faces challenges. Estonia, for instance, questions the effectiveness of age-based bans and suggests a focus on corporate and governmental accountability. Estonian Education Minister Kristina Kallas argues that enforcing responsibility should not rest solely with children but with platforms and policymakers.
The European Commission is tasked with transforming the panel’s recommendations into a legislative proposal. This will involve extensive scrutiny and negotiation in the European Parliament and among EU member states, addressing complex issues such as age verification, privacy, and enforcement.
As the EU navigates these challenges, the potential for prolonged deliberation looms, underscoring the complexity of aligning diverse perspectives within the union and beyond.