Denmark PM Wants Social Media Age Limit For EU; Risk For Kids ‘Too Great’

Posted: May 29, 2024

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s recent proposal to establish a minimum age limit of 15 years for social media use across the European Union marks a significant step towards enhancing the protection of young individuals from the potential harms associated with online platforms.

In collaboration with EU lawmaker Christel Schaldemose, Frederiksen emphasized the necessity of stricter regulations in a joint article published in the Danish paper Politiken. They underscored the inadequacy of the current minimum age requirement of 13 for creating social media profiles, citing the risks faced by children and the urgent need for effective age verification tools.

The Digital Services Act (DSA), designed to regulate content moderation on online platforms, has been criticized by Frederiksen and Schaldemose for its perceived insufficiency. They proposed amendments to strengthen the legislation, including bans on addictive designs and advertising directed at minors, as well as mandatory notifications to inform users about their online platform usage duration.

This initiative resonates with French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a “digital majority” to be established at age 15 within the EU, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for stringent measures to safeguard young individuals from the potential harms of unrestricted social media access.

Frederiksen’s proposal has sparked discussions about online safety and the responsibilities of tech companies in protecting young users. As attention shifts towards regulating social media usage and safeguarding minors in the digital sphere, further deliberations among EU policymakers and stakeholders are anticipated.

The push for an age limit for social media usage reflects a broader global conversation about the impact of digital platforms on young users and underscores the need for comprehensive safeguards. As concerns about online safety and the influence of social media grow, policymakers face mounting pressure to address these issues and prioritize the well-being of young individuals in the digital age. Frederiksen’s proposal represents a proactive step towards fostering a safer and more responsible online environment for young users within the European Union and beyond.