Table of Contents
The European Parliament has signaled its intent to protect young people online, voting to recommend a minimum age of 16 for accessing social networks across the European Union. While the resolution is not legally binding,it represents a significant push for greater regulation of digital platforms and a heightened focus on the mental and physical wellbeing of minors.
The vote, which took place on November 26, 2023, passed with 483 votes in favor, 92 against, and 86 abstentions. It sends a clear message to the European Commission, tasking it with enforcing stricter protections for children under the digital Services Act (DSA), a binding regulation for EU member states.
The move comes amid growing concern over the impact of social media on young people. authorities are increasingly focused on the “deleterious impact” of children’s online activity, extending beyond social networks to include excessive screen time with television, smartphones, and tablets.
Targeting “Manipulative Strategies”
The resolution doesn’t target any single platform,but clearly has the attention of major social media companies like YouTube,Instagram,TikTok,and Snapchat. Lawmakers are particularly concerned with the algorithms used by these platforms, which are designed to maximize engagement by continuously displaying captivating content.
According to the resolution, these “manipulative strategies” hinder children’s ability to concentrate and interact with technology in a healthy manner. Consequently,the Parliament is urging Brussels to crack down on what it deems “toxic design practices,” specifically calling for the deactivation of:
- infinite scroll
- Autoplay
- Page reload
- Reward loops
- Gamification of certain activities
“We clearly tell the platforms: your services are not designed for children. And the experience ends there,” declared the rapporteur of the text,a Danish official. The resolution proposes a stark penalty for non-compliance: a ban on violating platforms within the EU.
Harmonizing Digital Age of Majority
Currently, the digital age of majority varies across EU member states, ranging from 13 in Denmark to 16 in France. This inconsistency is a key issue the Parliament seeks to address, advocating for a harmonized standard set at the higher end – 16 years old – to prioritize health concerns related to excessive online activity.
Data presented to the Parliament reveals the extent of youth internet usage: 97% of young people connect to the internet daily,and 78% of teenagers check their devices at least once an hour. A recent Eurobarometer survey further indicates that over 90% of Europeans believe legislation to protect children online is urgently needed.
The proposed rule extends beyond traditional social networks to include video-sharing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch, and also emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence companions such as ChatGPT. Othre countries,including Australia,are also exploring similar measures.
Parental Consent and Age Verification Challenges
The proposed 16-year-old barrier isn’t absolute. The resolution allows for an exception for those aged 13-16, provided they obtain clear parental consent. This provision aims to provide parents with some discretion based on individual circumstances.
The Parliament acknowledges that parents often struggle to monitor their children’s online activity and early registration on social networks. To support them, the resolution calls on platforms to enhance their safeguards.
A central challenge remains: how to verify age without compromising privacy or requiring the submission of personal identification. The Parliament supports the development of a European age verification system, potentially leveraging the future European digital identity (eID) wallet. MEPs “insist that age confirmation systems be reliable and respect the privacy of minors.” However, the logistical complexities of verifying the age of every user remain a significant hurdle.
Ultimately, lawmakers emphasize that parental oversight and verification systems should not absolve platforms of their responsibility to adapt their products and prioritize user safety.
