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From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The European Union is expected to recommend limits on children's social media access this summer, following an expert report.
  • Australia has already banned under-16s, prompting similar demands from EU nations like Denmark and Greece.
  • The EU is considering various options, including age limits and restrictions on specific features, rather than a blanket ban.

European Union officials are poised to recommend restrictions on minors' access to social media platforms as early as this summer. This move follows the anticipated delivery of a long-awaited expert report next week, which is expected to advise limiting children's engagement with online platforms.

It is not the question when children or teenagers would have access to social media, I would say it's more the question when social media has access to our children and teenagers

— Ursula von der LeyenThe EU chief previously indicated her support for restrictions on children's social media use.

The push for stricter regulations intensifies as Australia becomes the first nation to ban individuals under 16 from social media. Several EU member states, including Denmark and Greece, have voiced their support for similar measures, signaling a growing consensus on the need to protect young users.

While a complete ban on children using social media is unlikely, the EU is exploring a range of options. These include setting statutory minimum ages, similar to the 13-year-old threshold many platforms already have, or implementing restrictions on specific services and features deemed harmful. Officials emphasize that no final decisions have been made, pending the expert panel's recommendations due July 13.

Whatever decisions are made on age limits, we must also tackle the business models and design choices shaping children's online experiences every day

— Michael McGrathThe EU consumer protection commissioner highlighted the need to address platform design and business models.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has previously expressed support for such restrictions, with a formal announcement anticipated in September. The European Commission is also looking beyond age limits, aiming to address the underlying business models and design choices that shape children's online experiences. The focus may shift towards a risk-based approach, prohibiting problematic features rather than outright platform bans, drawing lessons from Australia's experience and the diverse approaches taken by member states like Germany and France.

We don't think that exclusion is the answer. We need to enforce our existing laws

— Simeon de BrouwerA digital rights expert from EDRi argued against outright bans, advocating for stronger enforcement of current laws.
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Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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