The Netherlands and Spain are pushing the European Commission to establish an EU-wide minimum age for social media use, potentially extending to video games and AI chatbots, with harmonized enforcement across member states. The proposal aims to prevent a patchwork of national regulations while respecting fundamental rights and using age verification frameworks to minimize privacy risks.
Over 130 children's rights and digital safety organizations urged the EU to regulate social media platforms' safety features rather than ban minors from using them. The call comes ahead of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's expected announcement on protecting children online, which may include age restrictions. The groups advocate for Europe-wide digital safety standards that platforms must meet by design instead of placing responsibility on parents or children.