European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has signaled a potential EU-wide social media ban for children, with a legal proposal possible as early as this summer.
Speaking at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen, von der Leyen said: "We are witnessing the lightning speed at which technology is advancing - and how it penetrates every corner of childhood and adolescence."
"Without pre-empting the panel's findings, I believe we must consider a social media delay. Depending on the results, we could come forward with a legal proposal this summer."
Support for tighter controls has grown among EU capitals. France, Spain, Greece, and Denmark are leading calls to shield minors from what governments describe as addictive online platforms. France is expected to enact legislation in September requiring platforms like Instagram and TikTok to block users under 15 and suspend existing accounts.
A key challenge remains a common technical solution for age verification. Von der Leyen referenced an EU age-verification app modeled on the bloc's Digital COVID Certificate system. Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about technical vulnerabilities.
Brussels is already scrutinizing platforms like Instagram and Snapchat under the Digital Services Act for failing to adequately protect minors. The bloc is also considering banning addictive design features under the proposed Digital Fairness Act.
"We all know that sustainable change does not happen overnight. But if we are slow and hesitant, it will be another entire generation of children that pays the price," von der Leyen said.
Australia and Indonesia have already introduced similar measures globally.