Overview
- An expert panel delivered recommendations on Monday that children under 13 should only have time-limited or supervised access to social media, and the European Commission will draft a legislative proposal after the summer.
- The report and von der Leyen call for platforms to prove their services are 'safe by design' and for removal or restriction of attention-maximising features such as infinite scroll.
- The measures would target a wider category called 'social media+' that includes AI companions, video-sharing, gaming and app stores when they use age-inappropriate or addictive features.
- EU countries are divided on minimum ages with some capitals backing higher thresholds and others opposing bans, and officials warn enforcement will be difficult because studies of Australia’s under-16 ban found widespread circumvention.
- Next steps include the Commission reviewing the report, publishing a concrete proposal likely after summer or at the September State of the Union, and then seeking approval from the European Parliament and member states while key details on age checks and enforcement remain undecided.