In order to help the EU respond to this question, a group of experts, consisting of doctors, representatives of the academic community, youth representatives, and parents, will present their recommendations on Monday.
Read more Orai.lt: summer warmth and drier days are finally returning
Last year, Greece, France, and Spain took the initiative to limit minors’ access to social networks. As a result, pressure is growing on the European Commission to establish an EU-wide ban, as Australia did in December.
In response, EC President Ursula von der Leyen tasked the commission with preparing evidence-based recommendations on how the 27-member bloc should address this issue. She supports restricting children’s access to social networks and has previously hinted at a ban, stating in May that a legislative proposal on this matter is expected this summer.
Two European officials told AFP they believe Brussels will announce a proposal regarding an age limit but added that final decisions have not yet been made.
EU representatives did not comment on whether U. von der Leyen will announce a complete ban.
“We are exploring ways to ensure greater online safety for minors,” said an EC spokesperson. “More can and should be done.”
In addition to recommendations, the EU has increased pressure on social network platforms to change, demanding on Friday that Facebook and Instagram remove “addictive” features, following a similar warning issued to TikTok in February.
Fighting harmful design
The expert commission met three times this year, with the last meeting held in June.
Group members did not disclose what they will recommend, but it is not expected that they will suggest a broad ban.
German experts, including the deputy chair of the EU expert group, proposed two options last month: a legally set age limit of 13 years, which many platforms apply, or restrictions on specific services and features. The EU could limit access to social networks based on the risk posed by the platform, applying measures to apps with “harmful design.”
The EU’s dilemma is how to avoid different age limits in 27 countries. For example, Spain wants to ban social network use for those under 16, while France proposes banning it for children under 15. Additionally, there are EU countries like Estonia that oppose a ban.
Digital rights advocates warn against overly broad measures and call for applying the “security by design” principle, under which the EU would require the removal of certain features.
“If features like infinite scrolling or user-tracking advertising are not safe, they should not be on social networks at all,” said Michiel van Hulten, EU director of the public policy organization Reset Tech.
Michael McGrath, European Commissioner responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law, and consumer protection, promised that new rules expected by the end of this year will provide children with stronger protection against addictive design.
“Digital markets are designed to attract attention and influence behavior. The new rules will help ensure that users can make informed decisions without manipulation,” he said.
Read more Sinner, who withstood Zverev’s power, successfully defended the championship title at Wimbledon
