Sweeping Changes from the European Parliament on Social Media: Minimum Age Set at 16

In a move aimed at protecting minors from the potential risks posed by digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have suggested that children under 16 should not be allowed to use social media or AI assistants without parental consent.

Under the proposal, the EU-wide minimum age for accessing social networks, video platforms, and AI assistants would be set at 16, unless parents give their consent. A lower threshold of 13 years old would apply for access to any kind of social networking platform.

MEPs emphasized the risks associated with addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to harmful or illegal content as key reasons for their proposal.

Broad Support for the Initiative

The proposal—introduced by Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose (Socialists)—was adopted by a large majority in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. It will be submitted to the plenary of the European Parliament at the end of November.
The initiative adds further pressure on major online platforms, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently launched a debate on whether such a measure should be implemented across the EU.

An expert group is expected to deliver its recommendations to von der Leyen by the end of the year.
While the 27 EU member states remain divided on the issue, the concept of establishing a “digital age of maturity” is gaining traction.
Taking the lead, Denmark, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU and has just announced its own plan to introduce a digital age of maturity at 15, has rallied support from other European ministers of digital governance, who voiced their backing for von der Leyen’s initiative last week.