EU Weighs Social Media 'Delay' for Minors, New Rules Expected by Summer

The European Union is considering a social media 'delay' for children, with potential new rules expected by this summer. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday in Copenhagen that an expert panel will report by July on steps to protect minors online, including a possible ban. "Without pre-empting the panel's findings, I believe we must consider a social media delay," von der Leyen said at an AI and children summit.

Denmark and nine other member states, including France, are pushing for restrictions. The EU's Digital Services Act has already led to probes of TikTok, Meta's Facebook, and Instagram for failing to protect under-13s. In February, the EU warned TikTok over its "addictive design."

Von der Leyen defended the law against US criticism, stating, "Those who break it will be held accountable." The debate centers on whether social media should have access to young people, not the reverse.