EU Commissioner Michael McGrath in US for talks

European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Micheal McGrath, is in Washington this week for crucial discussions with senior US officials. The talks are centered on strengthening EU-US cooperation across several key areas, including online safety for children, economic competitiveness, and consumer and data protection.

A primary focus of Commissioner McGrath's visit is the protection of minors online. This follows recent recommendations from the European Commission on how to better safeguard children and young people in the digital space. The Commission plans to propose measures to limit children's access to social media platforms after the summer, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizing the need for "age-appropriate restrictions" on digital platforms.

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This is not about whether children can access social media. It is about whether and when social media can access our children.

Discussions will also cover the EU's upcoming Digital Fairness Act, legislation designed to bolster online consumer protection and ensure users, including children, can navigate, search, and purchase goods and services online with greater confidence. Potential measures being examined include disabling certain addictive design features on platforms by default for minors.

Beyond digital policy, Commissioner McGrath will explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in justice and the fight against organized crime. The visit also aims to reinforce the EU's position as a stable and attractive destination for investment, highlighting its predictable regulatory environment.

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We need to consider a phased and gradual access for different age ranges.