European plan to protect children from internet risks

This move follows similar initiatives in Australia, the United Kingdom, China, India, Turkey, and several European Union countries, driven by concerns over the impact of social media platforms and applications on children’s mental health and safety.

The challenges Australia faces in implementing the world’s first social media ban for under-16s may indicate that Europe will also face a tough battle.

Speaking at a press conference, von der Leyen stated, “Today, our children are dealing with some of the most advanced technologies ever invented, which were not designed with children’s safety and development in mind.”

She added that the proposed EU Children’s Act “will set clear boundaries in the digital world, just as we do every day in the real world.”

Under the proposal, which must be negotiated with EU member states and the European Parliament over the coming months before it becomes law, accounts of children aged 13 to 15 will be subject to parental controls.

Social media, video-sharing services, online video games, AI companions, and chatbots intended for users under 18 will be subject to a list of permitted and prohibited features.

These measures include banning features that cause addictive use, recommendation summaries based on profiling, infinite scrolling, reward mechanisms, and unwanted contact from strangers. AI companions and chatbots must also be automatically disabled.