European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday that the European Union will move to limit young children's access to social media across the 27-member bloc. This effort, described as the biggest of its kind to date, aims to guard against online dangers and shield minors from harmful content.
The initiative follows recommendations delivered by an expert panel. While the panel did not recommend a blanket ban on digital platforms, the European Commission is considering changing the rules after the release of a new report. Legislation on the issue is expected to be proposed in the coming months, with a proposal likely to land after the summer.
The move reflects a growing global consensus about the harm caused by social media. Other countries, including Australia, Britain, China, India, and the United States, have already imposed social media bans or are currently considering them.