On November 26, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on European Union member states to set a Single minimum age limit for the use of social networks, video platforms, and artificial intelligence services. This document is an important step aimed at protecting minors from the negative impact of the digital space.
The New "Age Censorship" in the Digital Space
According to the resolution, only users over the age of 16 are recommended to register independently on platforms. Adolescents aged 13-16 can use the platforms only with the written consent of their parents. For children under 13, the use of these services is completely banned.
These restrictions, according to the European Parliament, are necessary to reduce the problems of digital dependence, anxiety, sleep disorders, and concentration issues observed in adolescents against the background of increased screen time.
The Position of European States
The document has an advisory status and does not introduce direct legislation. Nevertheless, a number of countries, such as Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, announced their readiness to implement a unified digital "age censorship." For instance, in Australia, the minimum age is already set at 16.
The Cautious Reaction of Tech Giants
Major technology companies refrained from publicly commenting on this initiative but expressed readiness for cooperation. Meta and TikTok emphasized "cooperation with regulators" and the need for clear unified rules.
Industry representatives warned that the introduction of mandatory age verification would require major technical improvements. The resolution also includes banning interface mechanisms that reinforce addiction for adolescents, such as infinite scrolling and aggressive recommendation algorithms.
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