Overview
- The European Commission sent formal information requests to Snapchat, YouTube, Apple’s App Store and Google Play on how they protect minors online under the Digital Services Act.
- Officials are probing age-verification and access controls, including Snapchat’s enforcement of its 13+ rule and reported sales of drugs and vapes on the platform.
- YouTube was asked to detail how its recommender system handles minors after reports of harmful content reaching children, and whether age restrictions are easily circumvented.
- Apple and Google were queried on app distribution safeguards and age ratings, including preventing access to gambling services and so-called “nudify” tools that create non-consensual sexualised content.
- The action coincides with EU ministers meeting in Denmark to consider tougher bloc-wide measures such as a minimum digital age, while separate DSA probes into Meta, TikTok and major porn sites continue; Google said it already offers age-appropriate experiences and is engaging with the Commission.