A growing number of children are navigating digital environments not designed for them. Considering the mental health risks and rising addiction to social media among children and adolescents, MEPs want to ban the most harmful addictive practices for minors. They also want the EU to act against persuasive technologies and practices such as targeted ads, influencer marketing, addictive design, loot boxes and dark patterns.
That’s why the Parliament’s committee on internal market and consumer protection (IMCO) has adopted a report with recommendations for safer digital environments for minors. The text proposes a common EU-wide minimum age threshold of 16 years for accessing social media platforms and the development of privacy preserving age assurance systems. During the debate, MEPs discuss this report; they are set to vote on it the next day (Wednesday 26 November).