EU Tackles Social Media's Impact on Children: Age Verification and Data Protection Measures Coming
Social media's impact on children and adolescents' lives is profound, reshaping how they perceive information and relationships. While it offers new avenues for creativity and exchange, it also raises concerns about protection, boundaries, and orientation. The European Commission is addressing these issues with new guidelines and technical standards.
The European Commission is set to publish the Age Verification Blueprint in July 2025, integrating with the EU Digital Identity Wallet. This move aims to unify age verification and protection concepts across the EU, ensuring a safer digital environment for young users.
Social media platforms provide children and adolescents with creative design tools, learning paths, and spaces to explore their identities. However, they also raise data protection concerns, as personal data is systematically collected and evaluated. The Digital Services Act, focusing on risk minimization and child-friendly default settings, is designed to address these issues.
In Germany, the minimum age for consent to data processing is 16, while other EU states have lower thresholds. The Act requires platform operators to integrate security mechanisms and react swiftly to infringements. Experts warn that one-sided bans on social media use may hinder digital competencies, emphasizing the need for clear family rules and transparent communication.
The European Commission's upcoming Age Verification Blueprint is a significant step towards unifying protection standards for young users on social media. The Digital Services Act, focusing on risk minimization and data protection, aims to create a safer, more transparent digital environment. As social media continues to shape daily life, balanced approaches that promote digital competencies and protect users are crucial.
