The European Commission, chaired by Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed a ban on social media use for children under 13 years old in a new initiative. This news was announced at a meeting on Wednesday in Strasbourg and seems to be turning into a hot topic among lawmakers and families.
Content of the Proposed Plan
According to this plan, 13-year-olds can access social media under parental supervision, but they must wait until the age of 15 to create a personal account. This action follows repeated criticisms from EU regulatory bodies regarding the lack of age restrictions on major social platforms, which currently set a minimum age of 13 in their terms and conditions.
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Criticism and Reactions
Von der Leyen, in her speech, referred to the growing power of big tech companies and stated that many people consider this power to be uncontrollable. However, she opposed this view and emphasized the need to review and strengthen regulations. These statements reflect the European Commission's determination to make serious changes in the management and use of social media in Europe.
More details of this bill are set to be presented on Thursday. After that, the European Parliament and EU member states will review and amend this proposal. This process may take several months or even years to reach a final agreement on the final version of the law.
Potential Consequences
If this law is passed, it may bring significant changes to how children interact with technology and social media. Parents will have a greater role in monitoring their children's online activities, which could help reduce the risks associated with improper internet use. However, some are also concerned that these regulations may harm individual freedoms and children's rights to access information.
Ultimately, this action by the European Commission could be a turning point in social and technology policies in Europe and may serve as a model for other countries. Given the increasing concerns about the negative impacts of social media on children's mental health and social development, this plan could fundamentally change the attitude towards new technologies.
