EU weighs new social media limits for minors
The European Union is moving closer to introducing new restrictions on minors' use of social media, with proposals expected after an expert panel delivers recommendations on July 13.
The European Commission said all regulatory options remain under consideration, ranging from age-based restrictions to limits on specific platform features, although officials indicated a blanket ban is unlikely.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has voiced support for stronger protections, saying the key issue is "when social media has access to our children and teenagers." A formal proposal is expected later this year.
Focus on platform design
Rather than banning platforms outright, the EU is expected to target features considered harmful to children, including endless scrolling, algorithm-driven content feeds and other addictive design elements.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath said the bloc's objective is to protect children across the digital ecosystem by addressing business models and platform design, not only social media access.
Upcoming legislation is expected to classify children as vulnerable consumers and require online services to provide safety by design.
Member states push for action
The Commission is under growing pressure as several member states, including Denmark, Greece, France and Spain, pursue tougher national measures on children's online access.
Brussels recently asked France to amend its draft legislation, arguing that digital regulation falls under EU-wide authority.
A recent YouGov survey found strong public support for tighter safeguards, with most respondents favoring the removal of harmful platform features and 75% saying social media companies should prove their services are safe before children are allowed to use them.
Digital rights groups, however, argue that the EU should prioritize stronger enforcement of existing digital regulations and hold major technology platforms accountable for protecting young users.
Source:turkiyetoday
