The European Commission has decided to postpone national legislation on age restrictions in social media for one year. This action is aimed at preventing the creation of diverse laws in member countries and establishing a common legal framework at the European Union level.
Background and Reasons for the Commission's Action
Since last year, the Commission and some member countries have been working on age restrictions for the use of social networks. These restrictions have been created to protect the mental health of young people and children. However, different countries continue to pursue different approaches and set various ages for access to these media.
Read more: European leaders gather in Montreal to strengthen ties with Canada
The Kids Act Proposal and Countries' Reactions
Last September, the European Commission proposed a plan called the Kids Act, which seeks to establish uniform standards at the EU level for access to social media. This plan specifically considers restrictions for children under 13 years old and imposes stricter limitations for teenagers under 15 years old. However, some countries like Greece and Denmark are seeking to enact their own national laws and have stated that they do not want to wait for EU agreements.
Thomas Regnier, spokesperson for the European Commission, announced that all national plans that conflict with future coordinated laws will be postponed for one year. This action is intended to focus on negotiations related to the Kids Act.
Austria also requested the Commission in July to review the legal compliance of its proposal, which prohibits access for those under 14 years old. After the deadline for responding to Austria, the Commission asked the country to delay the approval of its law for one year.
Regnier also emphasized that national issues require joint responses at the EU level and that focus should be on negotiations related to the Kids Act. Member countries must agree with the European Parliament and the Commission on the details of this plan so that the laws can be implemented.
The Commission's proposal generally includes a ban on access to social media for children under 13 years old and strict limitations for teenagers under 15 years old. Additionally, this plan imposes requirements on platforms to enhance safety in the design of their services.
The response of member countries to this request from the Commission is still unclear. Greece has recently passed a law for teenagers under 15 years old and seems able to maintain it, as the process of its approval began before the Commission's proposal.
Read more: European officials criticize new powers of EU border police · David Lisna is on the path to the French electoral competition
