Focus on child and youth protection
The European Union is preparing new regulations aimed at controlling the business models of social media platforms in order to better protect children and young people.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the measures target how platforms design addictive features that keep young users engaged for longer periods.
Platforms under scrutiny
Speaking in Copenhagen, von der Leyen said the EU is specifically examining platforms including TikTok, X, and Meta platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
She said the companies use design features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications and algorithm-driven feeds that treat children’s attention as a commercial product.
Concerns over age enforcement
The Commission argued that platforms are not effectively enforcing their own minimum age rules, such as the requirement that users must be at least 13 years old on Instagram and Facebook.
Brussels is also examining practices such as subscription traps, manipulative design and excessive data-driven engagement techniques.
Action against X and AI content
The EU has already launched proceedings against X over concerns related to its AI tool “Grok”, including the alleged creation of sexualised images involving women and children.
Officials say this forms part of a broader effort to regulate the risks posed by artificial intelligence within online platforms.
Possible age restrictions ahead
Von der Leyen also expressed support for stricter rules that could restrict or even prevent access to social media for teenagers below certain age thresholds.
She framed the issue as a broader responsibility of platforms rather than users, stating that the key question is whether social media companies should have access to young people – not the other way around.
Further proposals are expected later this year targeting addictive digital design practices across major online platforms.
Also read: EU to improve access to critical medicines through member state cooperation
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