EU Pushes for Social Media Ban for Minors Under 16, Introducing Mandatory Digital Identity Verification
The European Union has taken a major step toward restricting digital access for minors, approving a resolution that calls for banning social media platforms, video-hosting services, and AI companions for children under 16. The move marks one of the most far-reaching youth protection initiatives in the bloc’s history.The vote took place in Strasbourg, where Members of the European Parliament backed the proposal by a large majority: 483 in favor, 92 against, and 86 abstentions. Although the resolution itself is non-binding, it sets the political direction for upcoming legislation that could fundamentally reshape online access for tens of millions of young Europeans.
A two-tiered access system for minors
The framework presented in the resolution creates a strict age-based structure. Children under 13 would be barred entirely from using social networks, video platforms, and conversational AI applications. Teenagers aged 13 to 16 would be permitted to access these services only with verified parental consent.The rationale behind the proposal is rooted in rising concerns about mental health, addictive platform design, exposure to harmful content, and the increasing influence of AI-driven virtual companions. EU lawmakers argue that digital environments are becoming more immersive and more psychologically manipulative, requiring stronger protections for younger users.
A mandatory digital identity system for online services
One of the most controversial components of the initiative is the requirement for age verification through a forthcoming European Digital Identity Wallet. The European Commission is developing an official identity verification app that would integrate with national ID cards or passports. To access a social network or conversational AI tool, minors—and potentially adults—would need to authenticate their age through the system.In effect, social networks and AI platforms would become “passport-gated” across the EU. Proponents say this is necessary to block underage users reliably. Critics warn that it could erode online anonymity, create central points of failure, and introduce unprecedented monitoring capabilities for governments and private platforms.
Pilot programs already underway in several EU states
Age-verification pilots tied to digital identity systems are currently running in Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. These experiments include testing facial recognition, document scanning, and blockchain-based verification methods. The results will shape how the full EU-wide implementation proceeds once formal legislation is introduced.Some pilots focus on gating adult content, while others test access restrictions for social media and gaming platforms. Although these programs vary in scope, they collectively serve as a preview of what mandatory identity-gated internet access could look like in practice.
Supporters emphasize safety; opponents warn of digital overreach
For supporters, the resolution represents long overdue action to protect minors from increasingly sophisticated online ecosystems. They highlight studies linking excessive social media use to depression, anxiety, and cyberbullying, as well as concerns about AI chatbots forming unhealthy emotional bonds with adolescents.Opponents take a sharply different view. Civil liberties groups argue that mandatory digital identity verification risks undermining privacy rights and could set a precedent for broader online surveillance. Some digital rights advocates point out that once such systems are deployed, they often expand beyond their original scope, becoming tools for monitoring and censorship.
A growing global trend toward stricter youth protections
The EU’s move aligns with a wider international push to regulate minors’ digital environments. Several U.S. states have introduced laws restricting access to social networks for children, while countries such as South Korea and Japan have debated curfews and content controls. What distinguishes the European approach is the scale and technological rigor of proposed enforcement mechanisms.By tying age verification to an official digital identity wallet, the EU is attempting to build a centralized and standardized model for online age control—one that could influence global norms if fully realized.
What comes next: negotiations and legislative drafting
Although the resolution is not yet law, it serves as a blueprint for the final regulatory framework. The next steps involve the European Commission drafting formal legislation and the Council of the European Union reviewing the proposal. Negotiations—known as trilogues—between the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament are expected to take place throughout 2026.These closed-door discussions will determine which measures become mandatory, which remain voluntary, and what enforcement tools will be granted to regulators. Industry stakeholders, including major social networks and AI providers, are preparing for intense lobbying efforts as the implications of the proposal become clearer.
A pivotal moment for Europe’s digital future
The EU’s initiative signals a fundamental shift in how digital identity, online access, and child protection may be governed across the continent. Whether seen as a necessary safeguard or a sweeping overreach, the proposal underscores a broader trend: governments are increasingly willing to intervene in digital life, especially where minors are concerned.As the legislation moves forward, the debate will likely intensify, balancing safety, privacy, and the long-term consequences of binding daily internet access to government-issued digital credentials.
Editorial Team - CoinBotLab
Source: Digital Fairness Act
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