EU proposes minimum age for unsupervised social media use

As reported by Politico EU, the European Union is set to implement a minimum age requirement for young internet users to access social media platforms without parental supervision. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate restrictions.

The proposed regulations stem from a report by a panel of experts convened to address the harms associated with social media. The report recommends that minors under 13 years old should have only limited access to social media, and only with parental oversight. This move aligns with existing platform policies that already restrict access for users under 13 due to data privacy regulations. Von der Leyen stressed that the goal is not to ban social media for children but to ensure it accesses them in an age-appropriate manner, suggesting that parents, caregivers, and teachers should supervise usage.

The EU also plans to examine age restrictions for other online services and identify platforms deemed harmful to minors, aiming for a gradual introduction to technology for children, starting with limited screen time for those under three and increasing supervision as they age.

Source: Politico EU