EU MOVES TOWARD SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR CHILDREN

The EU's executive arm is reviewing expert recommendations on how to regulate children's and teenagers' social media use. Proposed measures include age restrictions, complete bans for younger users, and phased access models. Platforms could be required to prove their services cause no harm before allowing minors to access them. This marks a significant shift in how Europe approaches tech regulation, placing the burden of safety demonstration on companies rather than relying on existing age verification methods. The initiative follows reports highlighting concerning impacts of social media on young people's mental health and development. The EU has positioned itself as a leader in tech regulation through previous legislation like the Digital Services Act. Timeline for formal proposals remains uncertain, though von der Leyen indicated the legislative process could move quickly. Implementation challenges will likely include defining age groups, enforcing age verification, and addressing free speech concerns across member states.