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Europe Intensifies Child Online Protection Measures
European policymakers are accelerating efforts to implement stricter age verification systems and protect minors online. The EU announced a new age verification prototype and guidelines, while several member states push for more radical measures including social media bans for underage users.
National Divisions on Age Restrictions
France and Spain advocate banning social media access for children under 15-16, citing mental health risks and predatory dangers. Most platforms currently set minimum ages at 13, easily circumvented by falsifying birthdates. The European Commission confirmed it won't impose EU-wide bans but permits national legislation.
Age Verification Pilot Program
A new EU-developed verification tool will launch in Denmark, France, Spain, Greece and Italy. The anonymous system checks age without storing personal data, with eventual integration into the EU digital ID (eID) scheduled for late 2026. Romania is drafting legislation requiring strict age gates on large platforms.
Platform Safety Requirements
Under Digital Services Act guidelines, platforms must disable addictive features like read receipts for minors, implement easy blocking tools, set default private accounts, and restrict notifications during sleep hours. Denmark's Digital Minister Caroline Stage Olsen prioritizes child safety during its EU presidency.
Alternative Approaches and School Restrictions
Belgium's Digitalisation Minister Vanessa Matz advocates mandatory verification beyond adult content platforms. Children's rights network Eurochild opposes blanket bans, urging tailored protections instead. Slovenia and Bulgaria are implementing school device restrictions to reduce screen time.
Debunking Misinformation
Fact-checkers disproved viral claims about Germany fining under-14s for phone use. German law prohibits fines for children under 14 regardless of hypothetical bans.
