The European Parliament is pushing for mandatory age verification on social media, suggesting a minimum age of 16 for access. This is a critical move to protect children online from privacy violations, mental health issues, and harmful content.
A newly adopted resolution urges Member States and the European Commission to implement comprehensive age verification systems and stricter controls on platforms. This addresses concerns about manipulative design and targeted advertising.
MEPs are worried about the impact of social media on children’s well-being, including sleep disturbances, body image issues, and exposure to cyberbullying. The Digital Services Act (DSA) already mandates age verification for services posing risks to minors.
The resolution also calls for a “digital youth guarantee,” focusing on safe online participation, digital literacy, and skill development to empower young users. The Commission is tasked with monitoring the DSA’s implementation in this regard.
This initiative emphasizes creating a more “human-centric” digital environment, prioritizing education and critical thinking. The goal is to safeguard the next generation as they navigate the complexities of the digital world. Read the full press release from the European Parliament here: European Parliament Press Room.
The European Parliament’s push for age verification on social media reflects vital concerns for online safety. This extends to malicious campaigns like JackFix, which prey on unsuspecting users.
Such operations, deploying fake update pop-ups on adult sites, distribute malware. This highlights the diverse and evolving threats online, demanding constant digital vigilance. The digital landscape remains precarious.