The European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee has adopted a report urging immediate action to protect minors from the pervasive dangers of the digital realm.
The report highlights the alarming failure of major online platforms to safeguard young users, exposing them to risks such as addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to illegal content. Lawmakers are now calling for the swift enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the implementation of robust measures to ensure a safer online environment for children.
Age Assurance and Minimum Age Requirements
Central to the proposed reforms is the establishment of a unified digital minimum age across the EU. Lawmakers advocate for a minimum age of 16 for access to social media platforms, video-sharing services, and AI companions, unless parental consent is obtained. Additionally, they propose setting the minimum age for accessing any social media to 13. These measures aim to ensure that children are not exposed to age-inappropriate content and interactions online.
The report also supports the European Commission‘s efforts to develop privacy-preserving age assurance systems. However, it emphasises that such systems must respect children’s rights and privacy and cannot absolve platforms of their responsibility to design services that are inherently safe for young users.
Combating Harmful Digital Practices
The report identifies several digital practices that contribute to the exploitation and harm of minors online. Lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive ban on engagement-based recommender algorithms for minors, which often promote addictive and harmful content. They also demand the disabling of the most addictive design features by default and the prohibition of gambling-like mechanisms, such as loot boxes, in games accessible to minors.
Furthermore, the report urges the European Commission to consider introducing personal liability for senior management in cases of serious and persistent breaches of minor protection provisions, particularly concerning age verification. This measure aims to hold tech companies accountable at the highest levels for failures in protecting young users.
Enforcement and Accountability
To ensure the effectiveness of these proposed measures, the report stresses the importance of swift and decisive enforcement. Lawmakers urge the European Commission to fully utilize its powers under the DSA, including issuing fines or, as a last resort, banning non-compliant sites or applications that endanger minors. This approach seeks to create a deterrent effect and compel platforms to prioritize the safety of young users.
The report also highlights the need for a comprehensive digital identity framework, which aims to offer a secure and reliable way to verify age and prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content. Such a framework would complement existing measures and provide an additional layer of protection for minors online.
Broader Implications and Future Directions
The adoption of this report marks a significant step toward addressing the systemic issues that have allowed the exploitation of minors in the digital landscape. By setting clear age limits, banning harmful practices, and holding tech companies accountable, the European Parliament is sending a strong message that the protection of children online is a top priority.
However, the success of these measures will depend on their effective implementation and enforcement. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ongoing vigilance and adaptation will be necessary to address emerging threats and ensure that the rights and safety of minors are upheld in the online world.
