The European Parliament has approved a proposal to prohibit social media use for individuals under the age of 16. In the vote, 483 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) supported the measure, while 92 opposed it. The move aims to strengthen online safety for minors by regulating their access to social media platforms within the European Union.
If the legislation is enacted, social media companies operating in Europe could be required to implement measures such as verifying users’ ages through identification methods. This could prevent minors from creating anonymous accounts, thereby increasing accountability and potentially reducing risks associated with online interactions among young users. The proposal reflects ongoing efforts across various jurisdictions to address concerns over digital safety for children and adolescents.
The measure now moves to the next legislative stages, where details of its implementation will be debated. Stakeholders including technology companies, parent groups, and privacy advocates are expected to scrutinize the potential impacts of the legislation, balancing online safety with privacy considerations. The European Parliament’s decision marks a significant step in regulating social media usage among minors within the region.