The European Union is once again focusing on social media and their impact on younger users. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has reiterated the need to strengthen the protection of minors online, arguing that large platforms must take greater responsibility in protecting younger users.
The goal is to introduce stricter rules on access to social networks and accelerate the development of reliable age verification systems.
The EU wants to limit access to social networks for minors: new rules and age verification under study
According to what emerged from the Brussels debate, the European Commission would be considering the introduction of a minimum age for using social platforms, with a differentiated approach based on age group.
Among the proposals under consideration is the ban on the use of screens and digital platforms for the youngest children, while for those under 13 access to social networks could be allowed only under adult supervision and for limited periods.
The objective is not to prevent young people from using technology, but to define more precisely when and how they can access services designed to maximize time spent online.
Experts involved in the report talk about a defined category Social Media+, which includes platforms characterized by features such as infinite scroll, auto-playing content and persistent notifications, tools designed to increase user engagement.
The recommendation is to draft a set of European-wide rules and limit access to these services for all minors under 13.
The responsibility lies with the platforms
One of the key points of the European strategy concerns the role of companies. According to Ursula von der Leyen, the responsibility for safety cannot fall solely on parents.
To explain the concept, the President of the Commission compared digital platforms to car manufacturers: just as the latter must design safe vehicles to protect users, big tech should also integrate safeguard systems directly into their services.
The new proposals after the summer
The European Commission has confirmed that it will analyze the recommendations of the special committee and aims to present the first legislative proposals right after the summer. Among the central themes will be the introduction of effective tools for age verification and a stricter regulation of digital services aimed at minors.
