European Commission Prepares Rules to Restrict Children's Access to Social Media

The European Commission is reportedly preparing a policy proposal that would impose restrictions on children’s and teenagers’ access to social media across the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to present the initial proposal as early as next week, according to a Politico report published on Thursday. The European Commission President is expected to deliver the results of an expert report on the impact of digital platforms on minors on 13 July. The report was compiled at the request of the European Commission and will serve as the basis for drafting future legislative initiatives. Polish Digital Affairs Minister Dariusz Standerski told Politico that the European Union has noted that 14 member states already support the proposal. ‘I believe we now have a strong majority backing this solution. We also hear that some countries are less satisfied with the proposal. However, I do not see the possibility of a blocking minority forming that could hinder this process,’ he said. The proposal will contain a series of recommendations to reduce the harmful effects of social media on children. However, the final details regarding the form of restrictions to be implemented have yet to be determined. One issue still under discussion is whether the EU will set a single minimum age limit applicable across the entire bloc or grant authority to individual member states to determine their own age limits. Brussels is seeking to create uniform rules across the EU to avoid regulatory discrepancies between member states. Politico also noted that France and Poland are currently developing their own policies to restrict social media use by children under the age of 16. The drafting of the initiative will continue throughout the summer. The European Commission is expected to submit a final proposal in September, ahead of the annual State of the Union address to be delivered by Ursula von der Leyen.