The European Parliament approved a non-binding resolution calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media and AI tools to safeguard minors from online risks. This measure, supported by 483 votes, aims to promote age-appropriate digital engagement while allowing parental consent for 13- to 16-year-olds. It reflects growing global efforts to regulate youth access to platforms under the Digital Services Act.
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Resolution details: Non-binding proposal sets default age limit at 16 for social media, video-sharing, and AI chatbots, with harmonized EU limit of 13 without exceptions.
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Parental consent required for ages 13-16; platforms must comply with national laws via the Digital Services Act.
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Global trend: Aligns with bans in Malaysia (under 16 from 2026) and Australia (enforcement in late 2025), addressing cyberbullying, exploitation, and addictive features backed by reports from Reuters and The Star.
Discover the EU’s push for social media age limits to protect minors from digital harms. Learn about the resolution, global comparisons, and implications in this comprehensive overview. Stay informed on child safety regulations today.
What is the European Parliament’s resolution on social media age limits for minors?
The European Parliament’s resolution on social media age limits advocates for stricter controls to protect children online. Approved with strong bipartisan support, it proposes a default minimum age of 16 for accessing social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions, ensuring age-appropriate interactions. Lawmakers emphasize harmonizing a base limit of 13 across the EU, with exceptions only via parental consent, to combat exploitation and addictive designs under the Digital Services Act.
How will this resolution impact online platforms and minors?
The resolution urges platforms to eliminate addictive features, manipulative ads, and gambling-like elements that target youth, with non-compliant sites facing potential blocks. For minors, it introduces verified age gates and parental oversight, drawing on data from child safety studies showing high risks of cyberbullying and sexual abuse. Experts from the European Commission note that while non-binding now, it paves the way for formal legislation, potentially taking years but aligning with the DSA’s requirements for national compliance. Supporting quotes from EU lawmakers highlight the need for a safer digital environment, with 483 votes underscoring widespread agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key provisions of the EU social media age limit resolution?
The resolution calls for a 16-year minimum age for social media and AI tools, with parental consent for 13- to 16-year-olds and a strict 13-year EU-wide limit. It bans harmful features like addictive algorithms and targeted ads, requiring platforms to verify ages and face penalties for violations, as outlined in Parliament’s official statement.
Are other countries implementing similar social media restrictions for minors?
Yes, nations like Malaysia plan to ban under-16s from social media starting in 2026, mandating identity verification by next year to prevent online harms such as cyberbullying. In Australia, new laws introduced in late 2024 will enforce age limits from late 2025, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizing parental relief and government support for child safety.
Key Takeaways
- Strong parliamentary backing: The resolution passed with 483 yes votes, 92 no, and 86 abstentions, signaling broad consensus on protecting minors from digital risks.
- Global alignment: Echoes actions in Malaysia and Australia, where bans for under-16s aim to curb exploitation, backed by ministerial statements and upcoming verifications.
- Path to enforcement: As non-binding, it requires Commission proposals for binding rules; platforms must prepare for DSA compliance and potential site blocks.
Conclusion
The European Parliament’s social media age limit resolution marks a pivotal step toward enhanced child protection in the digital age, integrating calls for age verification and bans on harmful features with global trends in countries like Malaysia and Australia. By harmonizing limits at 13 and defaulting to 16, it addresses rising concerns over online exploitation under the Digital Services Act. As discussions evolve into potential legislation, stakeholders should monitor developments to foster safer online environments for future generations.
