Lead
The European Union is moving towards restricting children's social media access, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen calling for "phased and gradual access" for different age groups, as reported by Dawn and The Hindu. An expert panel has recommended that children under 13 use online platforms only under supervision, and the EU is considering a bloc-wide ban similar to Australia's.
Coverage Comparison
Reports from Dawn and The Hindu outline the EU's evolving approach to protecting minors online. Both outlets highlight von der Leyen's emphasis on age-appropriate restrictions, with Dawn quoting her as saying the question is "whether and when social media can access our children." The Hindu notes that Greece, France, and Spain led a push for limiting minors' access, intensifying pressure for a bloc-wide ban.
Separately, The Hindu reported that the European Commission found TikTok had not adequately protected children's privacy by allowing adults to view the accounts of minors. The commission warned that TikTok could face a non-compliance decision and a fine of up to 6% of its annual revenue if it fails to address the findings.
Key Claims
- Ursula von der Leyen called for "phased and gradual access" to social media for children, with age-appropriate restrictions, as reports from Dawn and The Hindu indicate.
- An expert panel, co-chaired by child psychiatrist Jorg Fegert and epidemiologist Maria Melchior, recommended no screens for babies and toddlers, supervised use for children aged 3 to 12, and "evolving autonomous use" with safety features for ages 13 to 18, according to Dawn.
- The EU is considering a bloc-wide ban on social media for children, following a push by Greece, France, and Spain, as Dawn and The Hindu report.
- The European Commission will prepare a legal proposal in the second half of the year, with von der Leyen expected to indicate restrictions in September, Dawn reported.
- EU consumer protection chief Michael McGrath vowed new rules to give children stronger protection against addictive design, as reported by Dawn and The Hindu.
- The European Commission found TikTok allowed adults to view the accounts of minors, exposing children to cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and predatory behaviour, according to The Hindu.
- Digital rights defenders caution against broad-brush measures and call for a "safety-by-design" approach, The Hindu reported.
- The EU has told Facebook and Instagram to dismantle "addictive" features, following a similar warning to TikTok in February, according to The Hindu.