EU Proposes 13+ Age Restriction for Social Media, Sparks Privacy Concerns
The European Union is prioritizing the mental and physical health of minors by addressing the risks posed by social media, building on existing age limits for data processing and calls from member states and international partners for stricter regulations. This initiative, spearheaded by Ursula von der Leyen, suggests parental oversight and gradual, supervised exposure to technology for younger children, with the potential for broader age restrictions on other online services. The aim is to implement phased access based on age ranges, recognizing the critical nature of childhood and the need for protective measures, much like the adoption of road safety regulations.