EU plans stricter social media rules to protect children

Tuesday 12 May 2026 - 09:15

The European Union is preparing new measures aimed at strengthening the protection of children and teenagers online by introducing stricter regulations for social media platforms.

Ursula von der Leyen stated that European authorities are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media business models on young users. According to the European Commission president, many online platforms are designed to maximize user attention through features that may encourage excessive screen time and addictive behavior.

The proposed regulations are expected to focus on major digital platforms including Meta Platforms services such as Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok and X. European officials argue that some platforms have not done enough to enforce age restrictions or protect minors from harmful content and manipulative digital practices.

Among the practices targeted by regulators are endless scrolling features, autoplay videos, push notifications and other systems designed to keep users engaged for long periods. European authorities believe these tools may negatively affect children’s mental well-being, concentration and online safety.

The European Commission is also examining concerns linked to artificial intelligence technologies used on social media platforms. Officials recently launched investigations related to the creation of inappropriate or harmful digital content involving women and minors.

Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of reconsidering how young people interact with social media. European policymakers are discussing the possibility of introducing stricter age-based access rules for certain online services.

The debate reflects a broader international trend toward tighter regulation of digital platforms as governments attempt to balance technological innovation with public safety and child protection. Several countries worldwide have already introduced or proposed measures aimed at limiting minors’ exposure to potentially harmful online content.

Technology companies, meanwhile, continue to face increasing pressure to improve transparency, strengthen moderation systems and create safer online environments for younger users.