EU considering social media 'delay' for children

The European Union is taking a proactive stance to safeguard its youngest citizens in the digital age. President Ursula von der Leyen's call to consider a "social media delay" for children reflects a growing concern across the bloc about the impact of these platforms on developing minds. The European Commission's decision to task an expert panel with reporting on potential protective measures by July underscores the urgency of this issue.

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Without pre-empting the panel's findings, I believe we must consider a social media delay.

This move signals a significant shift in how the EU views the responsibility of tech giants. The focus is moving from merely regulating content to questioning the very business models that profit from the vulnerabilities of children. The sentiment is clear: the question is not whether children should access social media, but whether social media should have unfettered access to children.

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Depending on the results, we could come with a legal proposal this summer.

While the specifics of any legal proposals remain to be seen, the EU's intention to potentially introduce new rules as early as this summer demonstrates a commitment to parental control and child welfare. This approach, driven by a desire to protect minors from exploitation and undue influence, sets a precedent for global discussions on digital safety and the ethical responsibilities of the technology industry.

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She said the question is not whether young people should have access to social media, but whether social media networks should have access to young people.