EU's Von der Leyen Proposes Social Media Delay for Children, Eyes New Laws Soon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a "social media delay" for children across Europe. She said new legislation could come forward in months.

Von der Leyen made the remarks Tuesday at an EU summit in Copenhagen. She noted that an expert panel will deliver steps to protect minors online by July.

Several European countries and others worldwide have enacted social media bans for minors. Von der Leyen did not rule out such measures for the EU.

"The discussion about a minimum age for social media can no longer be ignored," she said.

Denmark, the host of the summit, and nine other EU states including France have put forward various minimum age limits for platform access.

Australia led the way last December with the world's first ban on social media for those under 16. European nations plan to follow.

The UK is developing strict regulations for under-16s, including potential bans, age verification, and content limits. A major national consultation closes May 26, 2026.

France seeks to block social media for children under 15, with a target implementation date of September this year.

Spain plans a ban for under-16s to fight addiction, pornography, and harmful content.

Portugal passed a bill this year that requires parental consent for users aged 13 to 16 and tightens rules for those under 13. It mandates age-verification technology.

Germany is drafting plans centered on a ban for children under 14 and restrictions for teens up to 16. Measures include rigorous age checks, "safe" youth versions of platforms, and removal of addictive algorithms.

Norway aims to enact a strict under-16 ban by the end of 2026. Tech companies would need to deploy age verification systems.

New Zealand, Malaysia, and India have proposed bans for children as well.

The EU has clashed with social media firms in recent years. Von der Leyen stressed that age rules would not ease pressure on tech companies.

"The question is not whether young people should have access to social media. The question is whether social media should have access to young people," she said. "Let us give childhood back to children."

As the EU's digital regulator, the Commission has probed major platforms under the Digital Services Act to enforce child safety. Last month, it ruled that Meta's Instagram and Facebook violated the act by failing to block under-13s. In February, it warned of heavy fines against TikTok over its "addictive design."

The Trump administration in the US has criticized the EU's push against social media companies. It accused the Commission of targeting and censoring American firms after X received a fine last December.