RESOLVES TO SET MINIMUM AGE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA-The Parliament resolution is not legally binding and does not set policy
The European Parliament has agreed on a resolution which calls for a default minimum age of 16 on social media to ensure “age-appropriate online engagement” and to combat a rise in mental health problems among adolescents from excessive exposure. The Parliament resolution, however, is not legally binding and does not set policy.
According to a draft published in October, the legislation asked for “the establishment of a harmonised European digital age limit of 16 years old as the default threshold under which access to online social media platforms should not be allowed unless parents or guardians have authorised their children otherwise.”
It also called for a harmonised European digital age limit of 13, under which no minor could access social media platforms, and an age limit of 13 for video-sharing services and “AI companions.”
Parliament’s resolution also called for a ban on loot boxes, virtual items that can be won or bought with real money, and on engagement-based recommender algorithms for minors, as well as legislation to require age-appropriate content design.
