Brussels, Belgium – In a bold legislative move aimed at redefining the boundaries of modern technology use, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is preparing to present a formal
and decisive package of proposals to the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week.
Specifically, on September 16th, this package relates to regulating
and restricting the access of minors and children to social media platforms.
Details of age ban proposals and legal challenges
In a video message posted on the X platform, von der Leyen firmly asserted: “We must not accept the addictive potential of social networks,
and we must not allow children and adolescents to be pushed towards increasingly extreme content.”
She added, emphasizing the European bloc’s readiness to act: “Europe has the capacity and sovereignty to act.”
“It is up to us to establish clear and strict rules to delay minors’ access to social networks on the European continent.”
This step comes as the culmination of months of extensive studies led by the Commission Chair.
Indeed, these studies aim to protect young people from the multiple and accelerating digital risks.
A complete ban was imposed on the entry of minors.
According to informed European sources who spoke to AFP, the proposal is under consideration.
This may include imposing a blanket ban on minors under the age of fifteen accessing those platforms.
However, there may be an exception for teenagers aged 13 to 15,
provided that explicit consent is obtained from their parents.
While the European Commission has refrained from providing
a detailed official comment ahead of the anticipated announcement, the controversy continues.
Providing a complete protection umbrella
This European move takes on added importance amid a wide-ranging legal debate.
This comes especially after the French Constitutional Council recently issued
a ruling declaring unconstitutional a similar local plan that aimed to ban social media networks for those under fifteen.
As a result, this decision raised legal questions about the applicability of such a measure at the level of EU member states.
Despite domestic obstacles, French President Emmanuel Macron continues
to push the European Commission to move forward with a comprehensive ban.
His aim is to provide a complete safety net for all children on the continent.
