EU lawmakers demand 'youth mode' on social media to protect children

European Union lawmakers are calling for social media platforms to implement a "youth mode" that would disable addictive features and targeted advertising for child users. This demand reflects growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on minors.

An expert report released on Monday supported a "safety-by-design" approach, emphasizing that platforms should proactively protect children from potential harms. EU lawmaker Sandro Ruotolo stated that the primary responsibility for child safety lies with the creators and managers of these digital platforms. Features identified as addictive include infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommender systems.

The European Parliament's culture committee also advocated for an "EU code of conduct" for influencers and clearer definitions of "influencer marketing." Greater transparency regarding the inner workings of social media, particularly opaque algorithms and content moderation practices, was also stressed as crucial for young users to understand content recommendations. The report also suggested restricting social media access for children under 13, requiring adult supervision.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for limits on children under 13 accessing digital platforms. Legal proposals are anticipated after the summer break, which will then be negotiated by EU representatives. The EU has recently intensified its scrutiny of platforms, issuing warnings to Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok regarding their "addictive" features. The European Commission, acting as the bloc's digital watchdog, is preparing new rules to compel platforms to alter their addictive designs.

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The responsibility for the safety of children and adolescents must first and foremost lie with those who design and manage digital platforms.