European Union countries are increasing pressure to restrict children's access to social networks, as Brussels prepares to set a common standard at the continental level.
A wave of national initiatives has pushed this debate forward, with several countries already taking concrete steps, Euronews reported on Wednesday.
France has approved a ban on the use of social networks for children under the age of 15, while Denmark has reached a political agreement on similar measures.
An even stricter threshold is being discussed in Spain, aiming to limit it to the age of 16.
Meanwhile, Greece, which plans to implement a ban from 2027, is calling on European institutions for a unified approach.
This coordinated pressure appears to be paying off. On April 15, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that digital platforms “no longer have excuses” for failing to protect minors online. She also announced that the EU’s age verification app is technically ready for use.
The app requires users to verify age through official documents or digital identities. The system then generates a confirmation using technology known as “zero-knowledge proofs,” which allows platforms to confirm age without exposing personal data.
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The application code is open and built to integrate with national digital wallets, as well as for use by popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.
All four of these platforms are currently under investigation by the European Union for failures to protect minors.
Meanwhile, the Commission's panel on child safety is expected to deliver its verdict this summer, a decision that could determine the future direction of digital policies in Europe.
