The European Parliament has proposed that children under the age of 16 should be prohibited from using social media unless their parents grant permission.
On Wednesday, MEPs overwhelmingly approved a resolution concerning age restrictions. While this resolution isn’t legally binding, the urgency for European legislation is increasing due to rising concerns about the mental health effects on children from unfettered internet access.
The European Commission, responsible for setting EU laws, is already exploring the option of a social media ban for those under 16 in Australia, anticipated to commence next month.
Commission Chair Ursula von der Leyen indicated in a September speech that she would closely observe the rollout of Australia’s initiative. She condemned “algorithms that exploit children’s vulnerabilities to foster addiction” and stated that parents often feel overwhelmed by “the flood of big tech entering our homes.”
Ms. von der Leyen pledged to establish an expert panel by the year’s end to provide guidance on effectively safeguarding children.
There’s increasing interest in limiting children’s access to social media and smartphones. A report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron last year recommended that children should not have smartphones until age 13 and should refrain from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat until they turn 18.
Danish Social Democratic Party lawmaker Christel Schaldemose, who authored the resolution, stated that it’s essential for politicians to act in protecting children. “This is not solely a parental issue. Society must take responsibility to ensure that platforms are safe environments for minors, but only if they are above a specified age.”
Her report advocates for the automatic disabling of addictive elements like infinite scrolling, auto-playing videos, excessive notifications, and rewards for frequent use when minors access online platforms.
The resolution emphasizes that “addictive design features are typically integral to the business models of platforms, particularly social media.” An early draft of Schaldemose’s report referenced a study indicating that one in four children and young people exhibit “problematic” or “dysfunctional” smartphone use, resembling addictive behavior. It states that children should be 16 before accessing social media, although parents can consent from age 13.
The White House has urged the EU to retract its digital regulations, and supporters of the social media ban have contextualized their votes accordingly. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned at a meeting in Brussels that EU regulations concerning tech companies should be re-evaluated in exchange for reduced U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Stéphanie Yoncourtin, a French lawmaker from Macron’s party, responded to Lutnick’s visit, asserting that Europe is not a “regulatory colony.” After the vote, she remarked: “Our digital laws are not negotiable. We will not compromise child protections just because a foreign billionaire or tech giant attempts to influence us.”
The EU is already committed to shielding internet users from online dangers like misinformation, cyberbullying, and unlawful content through the Digital Services Act. However, the resolution highlights existing gaps in the law that need to be addressed to better protect children from online risks, such as addictive design features and financial incentives to become influencers.
Schaldemose acknowledged that the law, of which she is a co-author, is robust, “but we can enhance it further because we remain less specific and less defined, particularly in regards to addictive design features and harmful dark pattern practices.”
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Dark patterns refer to design elements in apps and websites that manipulate user decisions, such as countdown timers pushing purchases or persistent requests to enable location tracking or notifications.
Schaldemose’s resolution was endorsed by 483 members, while 92 voted against it and 86 abstained.
Eurosceptic lawmakers criticized the initiative, arguing that it would overreach if the EU imposes a ban on children’s access to social media. “Decisions about children’s online access should be made as closely as possible to families in member states, not in Brussels,” stated Kosma Złotowski, a Polish member of the European Conservative and Reform Group.
The resolution was adopted just a week after the committee announced a delay in overhauling the Artificial Intelligence Act and other digital regulations that aim to relax rules for businesses under the guise of “simplification.”
Schaldemose acknowledged the importance of not overwhelming the legislative system, but added, “There is a collective will to do more regarding children’s protection in the EU.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
