Countries across Europe are calling for an EU-wide action plan to protect younger users online. The proposal ensures stricter controls on social media, and has been backed by many.
Countries within the EU are coming together to back a proposed plan to tighten security on social media platforms. This comes following fears for the safety and mental wellbeing of young users when accessing various platforms.
Greece is the lead country in prompting these changes, receiving backing from France, Spain and Belgium. If the changes came into place, children would have far more limited screen time and access to various platforms.
The issues came to the surface following Australia’s recent decision to up the social media age to 16, making it difficult for children younger than this to sign up for social accounts. There have been suggestions of an EU-wide age of digital adulthood.
Meaning, users who aren’t classed as adults, below the age of 18 would need parental permission to create and sign in to social media accounts. This would prevent access to the popular Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok.
Would it work, though? After all, unless these platforms add some type of verification process, a teen could simply lie about their date of birth. It wouldn’t protect every young user without extreme rules and restrictions.
Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has previously expressed interest in restrictions, suggesting a ban on social media for anyone under 15. Other countries have been asked to step in and show their support. The more backing, the more likely changes will occur.
With Brussels currently being in charge of the EU regulations, countries have pushed claiming they are not acting on the decision fast enough. By protecting younger users now, we could see a future with less mental health concerns.
Many have suggested age verification should happen straight away, as soon as a device is set up. This would fall onto smartphone giants Apple and Google, however, it’s likely they won’t agree. After all, this could prevent sales for them.
