EU’s von der Leyen urges stronger child online protection

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for stronger online protections for children as the EU debates new rules on artificial intelligence and social media use, emphasizing that platform design and engagement-driven systems pose serious risks to young users.

Children are not little adults

“Children are not little adults. Their minds are delicate, their psychological vulnerability profound,” von der Leyen said, warning that online pressures can lead to anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, exploitation, and other harms. She noted that social media and AI are reshaping childhood, with risks linked to business models that monetize attention. “These are deliberate choices by tech providers,” she added. The EU is already taking enforcement action under its digital rules, including proceedings involving major platforms such as TikTok, Meta, and X.

Legal framework and possible age limits

Von der Leyen underlined that the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act provide the legal framework to regulate platforms and enforce accountability. “We have set rules, it is the law and those who break it will be held accountable,” she said. A panel of experts on child safety online has been established, and the EU could consider introducing a “social media delay” depending on its findings, with a possible legislative proposal later this year. “The question is not whether young people should have access to social media, the question is whether social media should have access to young people,” she said.

Age verification and digital fairness

The Commission is developing an age verification application based on digital identity systems to be rolled out across member states. Von der Leyen stressed that responsibility for online safety remains with technology providers. “In Europe, whoever develops a product is responsible for its safety,” she said. The Commission will later this year present proposals targeting harmful digital design practices under a Digital Fairness Act. She also called for broader digital literacy efforts involving parents, schools, and media organizations. Türkiye has also taken steps to regulate social media platforms and protect children online, with Ankara closely watching EU developments as it aligns its digital policies with international standards.