The heads of state and government of the EU states are in favor of age limits on platforms such as Tiktok and Facebook – but do not want to hand over their national responsibilities to Brussels. It is important to protect minors in the digital space, including through a minimum age for access to social media, according to a declaration decided at the EU summit in Brussels.
Age requirements like those for tobacco or alcohol
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently gave new impetus to the debate with her call for an age limit on social media. A group of experts should therefore discuss the best course of action for Europe by the end of the year. More can and must be done to better protect children on the Internet, said a Commission spokesman.
Von der Leyen compared possible age requirements for social media with those for tobacco and alcohol. The German politician also named Australia as a possible role model. It has already been decided there that in the future young people will only be allowed to use platforms such as X, Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram from the age of 16.
EU Commission prepares verification app
The topic is controversial in Germany. Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) also spoke out in favor of a minimum age. The Green Party leader Franziska Brantner also supports the idea. CSU boss Markus Söder, on the other hand, argued: A ban would make Tiktok, Instagram and Co. even more interesting for young people and children.
The EU is already working on the technical requirements for age restrictions. The European Commission is developing a verification app to protect minors. The goal: reliable age verification systems for content that is not suitable for children and young people. (sda/dpa)