EU plans to water down von der Leyen’s social media restrictions for minors

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to scale back plans to restrict minors’ access to social media amid concerns over possible legal challenges and disagreements among EU member states, POLITICO writes.

The revised proposal would introduce restrictions for children under 13, but allow them to access social media with parental permission, according to two officials involved in the work.

Von der Leyen is expected to outline the approach in her State of the European Union address on September 16. The proposal is still being drafted, and no final measures have been agreed.

The officials said greater flexibility for parents would help ensure the policy is compatible with fundamental rights under EU law. The European Commission intends to present the measures as a standalone proposal for future legislation.

The plans have been affected by legal concerns following a French court ruling earlier this month that a proposed ban on social media for children under 15 breached EU law. French President Emmanuel Macron has said he intends to pursue legislation by spring 2027.

EU governments also remain divided over the appropriate minimum age. Macron supports 15, Germany is more supportive of 13, Austria has proposed 14, while Spain favours 16. Estonia has called for a focus on limiting harm rather than imposing blanket restrictions.

The Commission is also considering measures targeting addictive design features that encourage children to spend excessive amounts of time on social media platforms.

The renewed push comes after Meta agreed this week to an $18 billion settlement with nearly all US states over allegations involving children’s safety, raising hopes in Brussels that technology companies may be more willing to address excessive use among minors.

The Commission’s strategy is expected to be a key element of von der Leyen’s September speech.

By Aghakazim Guliyev