Social media regulations aimed at protecting children are increasing across Europe

Children's exposure to inappropriate content and excessive use turning into addiction have brought new legal regulations to the agenda across Europe.

With the "EU Children's Act" proposal announced on September 17, the European Commission envisions blocking children under the age of 13 from accessing social media services, allowing the 13-15 age group to use platforms through accounts managed by their parents or guardians with restricted features, and permitting personal accounts to be opened from the age of 15 onwards. The proposal includes measures such as restricting features that encourage excessive use like "infinite scrolling", prohibiting instant notifications during sleeping hours, and blocking unwanted messages from strangers. Additionally, it aims to keep artificial intelligence chatbots and digital companions turned off by default.

Age limits and similar restrictive regulations regarding children's social media use have also begun to be implemented or discussed in parliaments in many countries such as Germany, Greece, Poland, France, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.