EU Digital Services Act expands safeguards for children online

The European Union is tightening rules for social‑media platforms to protect minors. Building on the Digital Services Act adopted in 2022, the European Parliament is pressing platforms to act faster in removing illegal content such as cyber‑bullying, sexual exploitation, hate speech, disinformation and self‑harm material. The legislation also calls for greater transparency of algorithmic recommendation systems, giving users clearer insight into how content is selected.

UNICEF and UN data cited in the discussion show that more than one‑third of youths in 30 surveyed countries have experienced online harassment or exposure to violent and hateful content, while 80 % of children in 25 countries feel at risk of digital sexual exploitation. These figures underscore the urgency of the EU’s new measures, which aim to make the internet a safer space for children while preserving fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and privacy.