European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has pledged an EU-wide social media ban for children, following an expert group's call for restrictions on platforms for those under 13.
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has pledged an EU-wide social media ban for children, according to the Guardian. The commitment came after an expert group called for restrictions on platforms for those under the age of 13.
“It is clear we need age-appropriate restrictions to platforms,” von der Leyen told reporters. She made the remarks following the publication of a report on child safety online.
The pledge responds directly to a panel of experts that recommended restricting access for under-13s. The Guardian reported that the expert group’s findings prompted von der Leyen’s commitment to act at the EU level.
The Guardian’s coverage framed the move in the context of protecting children from what it described as “predatory algorithms,” underscoring growing concern among policymakers about the impact of social media platforms on young users.
The announcement signals a broad direction for the European Commission on online child safety, though the details of how any ban would be designed and enforced were not specified in the reporting available.
Why it matters
Social media use among children has become a central concern for governments weighing the risks of online platforms against digital access. An EU-wide restriction, if implemented, would affect how major platforms operate across dozens of countries and could shape how other regions approach child safety online.
Frequently asked questions
What did Ursula von der Leyen pledge?
She pledged an EU-wide social media ban for children, saying that age-appropriate restrictions to platforms are needed.
What age group would the restrictions target?
An expert group called for restrictions for children under the age of 13, according to the Guardian.
What prompted the pledge?
The commitment came after the publication of a report on child safety online and a panel of experts calling for restrictions for under-13s.