Social media regulation: EU proposes age limits to protect minors

Discussions regarding the protection of minors on social media platforms are intensifying, focusing on both technical risks and potential legislative interventions. Experts highlight that algorithms designed to maximize engagement can lead to addiction, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression among young users.

To address these issues, the European Commission has proposed the ‘EU Kids Act’. This initiative suggests strict age limits: children under 13 would be prohibited from having social media accounts, while 13- and 14-year-olds would be restricted to supervised accounts. Full access would only be permitted from age 15.

However, some experts argue that mere exclusion is insufficient. They suggest that youth protection should focus on digital literacy, empowering children to navigate the digital world critically rather than simply restricting access, as they will eventually need to function within these platforms.