The European Commission is preparing to introduce proposals aimed at restricting children’s access to social media platforms, a move that will test the bloc’s ability to enforce digital regulations without escalating tensions with major technology companies or the administration of former US President Donald Trump.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to advocate for new age restrictions across online platforms, including a complete ban on social media use for children under 13, phased access for older teenagers, and limitations on gaming platforms featuring addictive elements. This approach is notably less stringent than age limits set or considered in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Indonesia, where the minimum age is commonly set at 16. The measure reflects divisions within the European Union regarding both the precise age threshold and the balance between regulatory ambition and political feasibility.
If enacted, the rules would directly impact American technology giants like Meta, whose social media platforms Instagram and Facebook are currently under investigation by EU authorities for allegedly employing design features that encourage addictive use by minors. These probes could result in substantial fines and compel companies to alter the algorithms governing content exposure to children.
Member states such as France and Greece have been among the strongest advocates for broad social media restrictions aimed at protecting children online. However, some Nordic countries and states in Central and Eastern Europe remain skeptical about whether governments are the appropriate entities to regulate such matters and question the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. France’s previous attempt to ban social media use for children under 15 was ultimately invalidated by the country’s highest court, illustrating the legal complexities involved.
Social media companies contend that they already implement a range of safeguards, including screen time controls and enhanced privacy settings designed to limit adolescent exposure and contact with strangers online. Nonetheless, the EU’s efforts to impose stricter rules face potential hurdles from the United States, especially given the Trump administration’s resistance to digital regulations perceived as threats to free speech and business interests. Trump has in the past accused the EU of unfairly targeting US companies and warned that such enforcement actions could provoke retaliatory tariffs.
The political dimension of digital regulation was underscored in July when the Commission fined Google a total of €890 million for violations of EU digital rules—an amount just below the symbolic €1 billion threshold and smaller than the highest fines permitted under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. This case occurred amid increased US criticism of European regulatory frameworks, with Washington labeling them risks to freedom of expression and mobilizing diplomatic efforts against them. In the same period, Brussels also fined the Chinese online marketplace AliExpress €550 million, a move that officials say helps counter claims that EU enforcement is biased against American firms.
EU officials acknowledge the challenges posed by these geopolitical pressures. Anthony Whelan, a senior competition official, described the divergence between US and European regulators as “disappointing” but denied that concerns about political fallout were hindering enforcement actions against US companies.
Meanwhile, some American technology firms have expressed open resistance to the EU’s regulatory agenda. Apple, for instance, called for the abandonment of the Digital Markets Act last year. Industry lawyers observe that while some companies view Trump’s confrontational stance toward the EU as an advantage, relying on such political volatility is inherently risky and unpredictable in business planning.
As the Commission moves forward with its social media proposals, Brussels faces the intricate task of balancing the protection of young internet users, the demands of member states, and the complex dynamics of transatlantic and global tech relations.