BRUSSELS: European Union plans to restrict children’s access to social media are facing mounting opposition, with rights groups warning that blanket bans and age checks could undermine privacy, free expression and access to information.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to outline the 27-member bloc’s approach in a speech to the European Parliament next week.
Brussels is considering restrictions for children under 13, as recommended by an expert panel, while France has pushed for a higher threshold of 15.
The proposals follow pressure from several EU states and similar measures introduced elsewhere, including Australia.
EU Faces Resistance Over Child Social Media Ban
Supporters argue tighter rules are necessary amid growing concerns about social media’s impact on children’s mental and physical health.
But 132 rights and mental health organisations and experts have urged the EU against a blanket ban, arguing that technology companies should instead be required to make platforms safer.
Christian Cirhigiri of the Centre for Democracy and Technology Europe warned that restrictions could interfere with children’s rights to free expression and access to information.
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Estonian Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta also questioned restricting access, arguing that “the platforms should change” instead.
The EU has already used its Digital Services Act to demand changes to what it describes as “addictive” features on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Privacy Fears Over Age Checks
Any restrictions are expected to be accompanied by an EU age-verification system later this year.
Users could verify their age through passports, national identity cards, banks or other approved providers. Brussels says the system would confirm only whether someone meets an age threshold without sharing names or birth dates with platforms.
Privacy campaigners remain concerned that requiring users to prove their age could discourage online expression.
Security concerns have also emerged after researchers reported flaws in the system’s blueprint.
Brussels must now balance growing demands to protect children online with warnings that restricting access could create new privacy and digital-rights risks.
