Stories from the DSC Advisory Board: The summer of social media bans

The European Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, has endorsed stringent age-based controls for internet access, extending beyond social media platforms to include a wide range of online services. This move follows recommendations from an expert group convened by the EU, which proposed a comprehensive framework to protect young users. The plan would classify digital services into age categories, with strict restrictions for children under 13 years old. The initiative gained momentum after Australia introduced a ban on social media platforms for users under 16, accompanied by rigorous age verification measures. However, initial studies have shown that many Australian teenagers continue to use these platforms despite the restrictions. A broad consensus among experts suggests such bans could be harmful even if they were effective. Nevertheless, several EU member states are considering adopting similar policies, and von der Leyen aims to expand them significantly. During a press conference, von der Leyen referred to the concept of “Social Media Plus,” emphasizing the need to define a broader category of online services that might pose risks to minors. According to the expert group, this term encompasses a variety of digital offerings, including app stores, video games, video platforms, AI systems, and chatbots designed to mimic trusted figures. These services, while not traditionally considered social media, could still expose young users to inappropriate or potentially dangerous content. The proposal outlines a tiered system based on age groups. Children under three years old would be prohibited from using screen-based devices altogether. Those aged three to 13 would be allowed limited access under parental supervision. For individuals aged 13 to 17, access to certain services would depend on whether they meet age-appropriate criteria, such as through youth protection features. As users grow older, parental oversight would gradually decrease, allowing greater autonomy. To enforce these age classifications, the expert group recommends implementing technical control systems that ensure users can only access digital spaces appropriate for their age. Von der Leyen has expressed support for the EU's “Mini-Wallet” application, which serves as a tool for managing user data and enforcing age limits. Additionally, national governments may introduce further restrictions, according to the expert group’s findings. The expert group’s recommendations span 156 pages, with a separate 26-page summary. They emphasize the importance of transparency and informed decision-making, particularly regarding the implementation of age verification mechanisms. The group met for the first time on March 5, 2026, though von der Leyen had already publicly advocated for stricter regulations before the discussions began, influencing the direction of the recommendations. Not all voices within Germany align with von der Leyen’s approach. The German Ethics Council has explicitly rejected the idea of a social media ban and called for more cautious limits on age verification. Another expert panel has reached mixed conclusions on the issue. Over 400 researchers from 29 countries have warned against the introduction of age controls without additional research, calling such measures “dangerous and socially unacceptable.” In an open letter, they urged a halt to legislative efforts aimed at implementing these controls. As the debate continues, the implications of these proposals remain unclear. The EU faces growing pressure to address concerns around online safety for minors, yet the effectiveness and ethical considerations of such measures remain hotly contested. The outcome of this policy shift will likely shape the future of digital regulation in Europe for years to come.