European Union lawmakers have proposed a significant regulation aimed at safeguarding minors online by imposing a blanket ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the digital landscape and ensure that platforms are held accountable for the content and services they provide to users. The proposed regulation, if implemented, would require social media platforms to verify the age of users and restrict access to individuals under the specified age limit.
The proposal, backed by Danish EU lawmaker Christel Schaldemose, aims to protect children from the potential harm caused by social media, including addictive design features, engagement-based algorithms, and monetization of user data. Lawmakers also recommended banning “kidfluencing,” where minors are used as influencers to promote products or services. Platforms that fail to comply with the regulations could face fines or even bans.
The proposal has garnered support from European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who has expressed her personal backing for the initiative. Twenty-five of the EU’s 27 countries, along with Norway and Iceland, have signed a declaration stressing the need to shield minors online and exploring the possibility of a bloc-wide digital majority age.
The move has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is a necessary step to protect young users, while others raise concerns about potential limitations on freedom of expression and access to information. The proposal will be put to a vote by the full parliament during its plenary session between November 24 and 27.
