The European Union (EU) has introduced new age-based restrictions on children’s use of social media across its 27 member states, in what could be the EU’s biggest step yet to protect children from online risks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement in Brussels on Monday, saying a proposal prepared by two experts recommended a gradual easing of social media restrictions.
According to the proposal, children under the age of 13 would be allowed to use social media for limited periods of time only under the supervision of a parent, guardian or teacher. These restrictions would be gradually relaxed for teenagers as they get older.
“It is clear that platforms need age-appropriate restrictions,” von der Leyen said. “The question is no longer whether children are at risk online; it is how to ensure a safe online environment for them.”
He indicated that the European Commission will present a formal proposal by the end of the summer, following the recommendations of experts. He may announce details in his State of the Union address in September.
Australia, the UK, China, India and the US have already imposed or are considering bans on children’s use of social media, with the initiatives mainly targeting platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
However, the relevant technology companies have said that they have already taken various measures to protect underage users and that age restrictions are in place on many platforms.
