MyoTaw: European Commission Prepares to Restrict Children's Social Media Use

European Commission preparing to restrict children's social media use

July 13

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today, July 13, that the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), will submit a proposal after the summer to restrict children's access to social media.

"Our children need to spend time in the real world. They need time to play, make new friends, and learn from mistakes, and they need time to shape their own identity and qualities before being molded by algorithms," von der Leyen told reporters during a press conference in Brussels.

The European Commission President also stated that the plan is not about whether children should have access to social networks, but rather focuses on controlling when and how social networks can reach children.

Currently, some European countries are also implementing separate plans to tighten children's social media use. France has passed a law restricting social media access for children under 15, while Denmark, Spain, and Greece are discussing the possibility of setting age restrictions.

Australia has begun enforcing a law restricting social media access for children under 16, but a recent study indicates that weaknesses remain in the age verification system, posing ongoing challenges to implementation.

Additionally, some U.S. states are introducing and debating bills to strictly control underage children's social media account access, requiring parental consent or imposing age restriction laws.

Similarly, major technology companies like Meta and TikTok are facing increasing pressure from international governments to enhance safety restriction systems and parental control features to ensure children's safety.

Ref & Photo; Reuters

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