The EU is moving closer to tightening social media restrictions for children.
A wave of stricter regulations on social media for children is spreading across Europe after Australia pioneered a ban on platforms for those under 16. The European Union (EU) is expected to soon announce new proposals to strengthen the protection of minors online.
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The European Union (EU) is moving closer to imposing restrictions on children's use of social media. A report by a group of experts commissioned by President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to be published on July 13 and may propose limiting minors' access to online platforms.
After Australia became the first country in the world to ban people under 16 from using social media, many EU member states such as Denmark and Greece also called for similar measures.
The European Commission said all options are being considered, from a complete ban on children's use of social media to restricting certain services or features.
However, EU officials stressed that no final decision would be made before the expert group completes its report. If approved, the new measures could be officially announced in September.
Speaking last week, Ursula von der Leyen argued that the issue is not just about when children are allowed to use social media, but also about when these platforms are reaching children.
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According to sources, the expert group is unlikely to recommend a complete ban on children's use of social media.
One option being considered is a risk-based approach. Instead of banning platforms like Meta, TikTok, or Snapchat, the EU could require the removal or restriction of features deemed addictive, such as infinite scrolling, personalized recommendation algorithms, or user retention mechanisms.
A survey published by YouGov on July 9th in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain showed that a majority of people support platforms removing features deemed harmful to children.
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EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath stressed that the business models and product designs of digital platforms also need to be regulated to protect children online.
Many digital rights experts argue that instead of banning children from accessing social media, the EU should hold platforms more accountable for designing safe products.
A YouGov survey found that 75% of respondents believe platforms should only open to minors when they can demonstrate that their services are safe enough.
Currently, the EU has the Digital Services Act, which requires major online platforms to promptly remove harmful content and prohibits advertising targeted at children. However, many experts believe that enforcement of these regulations is still not strong enough.
According to an EU official, before the end of summer, the European Commission is expected to publish the results of its investigation into Meta's Facebook and Instagram regarding the risk these services pose to addictive behavior in children.
Source: AFP