Brussels chief Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union should explore limiting children’s access to social media, with possible new rules within months, including a “social media delay.”
The president of the European Commission commissioned an expert panel to report back on steps to protect minors online—including a potential ban—in time for a July deadline.
A legislative proposal could follow in the summer depending on the findings, according to Von der Leyen said the debate over a minimum age “can no longer be ignored”, noting that Denmark and nine other member states seeking restrictions for teenagers under a certain age:
The question is not whether young people should have access to social media. The question is whether social media should have access to young people..
The Commission, acting as the EU’s digital watchdog, has already launched investigations into major platforms including TikTok and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram over child protection.
Last month, it found Meta is failing to keep under-13s off its platforms, and in February issued a warning to TikTok over “addictive design” or face fines.
“We have shown that we will forge ahead despite the headwinds we face. We’ve set the rules, it’s the law, and those who break it will be held accountable,” Von der Leyen said.
