EU proposes social media restrictions for under-15s

The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has presented new plans to restrict access to social media for children and adolescents in the European Union. The proposals include a complete ban on social media use for under-13s and require adolescents aged 13 to 15 to have explicit permission from parents or guardians to create accounts.

For those under 15, the proposal mandates account supervision and access only to appropriate alternatives. Additionally, children under 13 will be allowed to use services specifically designed for them, which do not include popular social media networks.

The new rules also stipulate that platforms will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the established guidelines, necessitating funding for this oversight. This means companies must ensure that protection measures are in place for their younger users.

The proposal is currently under discussion and must be negotiated before a final vote. Experts and lawmakers suggest that implementing these measures is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of young people online.

This plan aims for a consistent approach across Europe, trying to address growing concerns about the risks associated with early social media use by minors. Among the identified objectives is the prevention of harmful behaviors and access to inappropriate content.

Reactions to these proposals include a diversity of opinions, with some groups praising the measures in the name of child protection, while others raise concerns about their implementation and effectiveness. The discussion continues, and further details are expected to emerge as negotiations progress.