Denmark Introduces Sweeping Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
The Danish government has announced plans to implement one of Europe’s strictest social media restrictions: a nationwide ban preventing anyone under the age of 15 from accessing major platforms. Officials say the measure is aimed at protecting minors from harmful content, algorithmic manipulation, and online exploitation.A National Age-Verification System Backed by e-ID
To enforce the ban, Denmark intends to leverage its national electronic identification system, a digital credential held by nearly every citizen ages 13 and older. The government is also developing a dedicated age-verification app that platforms will be required to integrate into their sign-in systems.If implemented, social networks will need to validate the user’s age through e-ID before allowing account creation or login — effectively blocking all under-15 users at the system level.
Harsh Penalties for Non-Compliant Platforms
The policy establishes strict compliance rules for social media companies. Platforms that fail to implement reliable age checks could face penalties of up to 6% of their global revenue, applied through European Commission enforcement mechanisms.This places Denmark’s initiative among the most consequential digital regulations in the region, surpassing many previous national attempts to govern access for minors.
Following Global Trends: China, Australia, France
Denmark is not the first country to move in this direction. China has already implemented an ID-based access system for minors, requiring authentication before engaging with digital platforms.Australia has passed its own nationwide ban for users under 16, while France is currently evaluating legislation that would restrict social media for children under 15. Policymakers across Europe argue that algorithmic platforms pose mental-health risks that traditional parental controls cannot address.
Implementation Will Take Months
Although the decision has been announced, the law will not take effect immediately. The Danish government expects several months of legislative and technical development before the system is ready for rollout. Officials say cooperation with both national agencies and major tech companies will be essential.Critics, however, warn that such measures could lead to excessive data collection, digital exclusion, and the normalization of ID-based access to everyday online services.
A Turning Point in Europe’s Digital Policy
If fully implemented, Denmark’s under-15 social media ban could become a blueprint for other EU countries weighing similar restrictions. Supporters argue the measure will reduce exposure to harmful content and social-media-driven anxiety, while opponents caution that it may expand government control over digital identity verification.The coming months will reveal whether Denmark’s bold approach becomes a new European standard — or a warning about the complexities of regulating online childhood safety.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab