EU chief pledges social media ban to protect children from ‘predatory algorithms’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to introduce EU-wide legislation to restrict children's access to social media, following a recommendation from an expert panel. The panel suggested delaying access to "social media plus" platforms for children under 13, citing concerns about "predatory algorithms" and the vulnerability of this age group. The proposed law, expected in the autumn, aims to protect children from potentially harmful features like infinite scroll and personalized algorithms. Several EU countries already have plans for similar bans, with France and Spain proposing restrictions for older teenagers. The European Commission is also investigating Meta and TikTok for the addictive nature of their apps.

The European Union plans to restrict young children's access to social media across its 27 member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced this initiative, which aims to protect children from online dangers. The proposal, based on expert recommendations, suggests a tiered approach. Children under 13 would be permitted to use social media for limited durations, requiring supervision from parents, caregivers, or teachers. These restrictions would be progressively eased as teenagers mature. Von der Leyen stated the necessity for age-appropriate platform limitations.