For this, the expert group is scheduled to submit its recommendation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on July 13.
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The European Union (EU) is preparing to tighten children's access to social media. For this, a group of experts is scheduled to submit recommendations to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on July 13.
Von der Leyen stated that the impact of social media on children must be taken seriously. The expert group's report is expected to recommend limiting minors' access to social media.
After Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media use for children under 16, European countries such as Denmark, Greece, and Spain are also preparing to adopt similar policies. The EU has stated that options range from a complete ban to allowing access only to certain services and features. However, officials have said there is not much support within the EU for a total ban on all types of social media.
EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath said that simply setting an age limit for social media control would not be sufficient. He expressed the view that the design and business models of platforms that affect children's online experiences should also be regulated. Previously, France and some other member states had drafted laws to tighten social media access for children. However, the European Commission has asked France to amend its bill, stating that such matters fall within the EU's shared jurisdiction.
According to experts, the EU is more likely to adopt a risk-based policy rather than a complete ban like Australia. Accordingly, instead of shutting down platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok entirely, features such as infinite scroll, personalized content recommendations, and other addictive functions could be removed.
A group of experts in Germany recently proposed either setting a minimum age of 13 for social media use or restricting only certain services and features. In a survey conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, most participants expressed the view that infinite scroll and designs considered harmful to children should be removed. Among more than 5,100 adults surveyed, 75 percent said social media platforms should not be open to minors unless safety is guaranteed.
However, digital rights organizations have argued that a complete ban would not solve the problem. Simone de Brower, policy advisor at European Digital Rights (EDRi), said that existing laws should be effectively enforced to make platforms safe for children. The EU has legal provisions such as the Digital Services Act. These provisions require large online platforms to remove harmful content and stop targeted advertising to children.
