McGrath in favour of age-appropriate social media limits

EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has indicated support for implementing age-appropriate social media restrictions for children and teenagers across the European Union. He favors a graduated approach rather than a complete ban on platforms for younger users.

McGrath's comments follow a report from an expert panel on child safety. The panel proposed that individuals under 13 should only be allowed limited periods of social media use, supervised by parents, caregivers, or teachers. These restrictions would then be progressively lifted as teenagers mature.

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There would be additional more onerous obligations on social media companies to ensure that their service is safe for children of that age and so it's a graduated age-related approach is what they have recommended, rather than an outright ban up to the age of 16.

"I do think overall it is better to have a coordinated EU-wide approach to the regulation of social media and to that question of what is what is an appropriate age for access to social media, and indeed what is the appropriate system of regulation," McGrath stated. He noted that while many member states have introduced their own initiatives, a preference for an EU-wide strategy has emerged, which the Commission aims to finalize in the autumn.

A key consideration for the Commission will be enforcement mechanisms. McGrath mentioned the existing Digital Services Act, which includes provisions for financial penalties. The precise legislative instrument to implement the decision on social media use for young people is yet to be determined. Discussions on enforcement and ensuring compliance will be part of the upcoming considerations. McGrath was speaking in Washington D.C. during talks on EU-US cooperation regarding online safety, competitiveness, and data protection.

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I do think overall it is better to have a coordinated EU-wide approach to the regulation of social media and to that question of what is what is an appropriate age for access to social media, and indeed what is the appropriate system of regulation.