Von der Leyen Pushes EU to Consider Restricting Social Media Access for Children

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the European Union should consider delaying or restricting children’s access to social media, adding that possible new legislation could be proposed within months, according to AFP.

Speaking at an artificial intelligence and child safety summit in Copenhagen, von der Leyen said an expert group has been tasked with assessing potential measures to better protect minors online, with findings expected by July. The group may also evaluate whether a formal ban or age-based restriction on social media is appropriate.

“Without prejudging the group’s conclusions, I believe we should consider postponing social media access,” she said, adding that depending on the recommendations, the Commission could present a legislative proposal during the summer.

She stressed that the issue of minimum age limits for social media use can no longer be ignored, noting that Denmark and nine other EU member states, including France, are pushing for stricter rules that would restrict access for teenagers below a certain age.

“The question is not whether young people should have access to social media,” von der Leyen said. “The question is whether social media should have access to young people.”

The European Commission, which serves as the EU’s digital regulator, has already opened investigations into major online platforms over child protection concerns, including TikTok and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram.

Authorities previously found that Meta was not sufficiently preventing children under 13 from accessing its platforms. In addition, TikTok was issued a warning earlier this year over what regulators described as “addictive design” features, with the company facing potential fines if it fails to comply with EU requirements.