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EU weighs social media delay for children
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for urgent action to protect minors online, suggesting new legislation could be introduced within months. Speaking at an EU summit in Copenhagen, she emphasized that the debate over a minimum age for social media access "can no longer be ignored".
Expert panel to propose measures by July
An expert group is set to outline steps to safeguard children on digital platforms by July. Von der Leyen did not rule out outright bans but stressed the need for decisive action. "The question is not whether young people should have access to social media. The question is whether social media should have access to young people," she stated, adding, "Let us give childhood back to children."
Global trend: Countries tighten restrictions
Several nations have already moved to limit minors' access to social media. Australia became the first to ban platforms for users under 16 last December, with European countries now following suit.
Key national policies
- France: Proposes a ban for children under 15, aiming for implementation by September 2026.
- UK: Plans strict regulations for under-16s, including potential bans, age verification, and content restrictions. A national consultation closes on 26 May 2026.
- Spain: Considers a ban for under-16s to combat addiction and harmful content.
- Portugal: Requires parental consent for users aged 13-16 and strengthens restrictions for under-13s, including mandatory age verification.
- Germany: Explores a ban for under-14s and restrictions for teens up to 16, with measures like strict age verification and "safe" youth versions of platforms.
- Norway: Plans to enforce a ban for under-16s by the end of 2026, requiring tech companies to implement age verification systems.
Outside Europe, New Zealand, Malaysia, and India have also proposed similar bans.
EU cracks down on tech giants
The European Commission has intensified scrutiny of social media platforms under the Digital Services Act, targeting child safety violations. Last month, Meta's Instagram and Facebook were found to have breached the act by failing to prevent under-13s from accessing their platforms. In February, TikTok faced threats of heavy fines unless it addressed its "addictive design."
Transatlantic tensions rise
The EU's regulatory push has drawn criticism from the U.S., particularly from the Trump administration. After Elon Musk's platform X was fined last December, U.S. officials accused the Commission of "attacking and censoring American firms." Several European figures, including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, were subsequently barred from entering the U.S. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned what he called "ideologues in Europe" seeking to suppress American viewpoints.
Von der Leyen's stance
"We have set rules. It's the law, and those who break it will be held accountable."
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President
What's next
The EU's expert panel is expected to deliver its recommendations by July, potentially paving the way for legislation later this year. Meanwhile, national governments continue to advance their own restrictions, signaling a global shift toward stricter oversight of minors' online activity.
