EU lawmakers demand Brussels force Meta to ‘protect’ European children

EU lawmakers have called upon the European Union executive to compel Meta to alter the addictive design of its social media platforms in Europe, drawing parallels between the protection of European and American children. The letter, signed by French lawmaker Stephanie Yon-Courtin and 51 other MEPs, argues that European children deserve the same level of protection as their American counterparts, given that the EU framework is the most stringent globally.

The lawmakers urge the European Commission to expedite its investigation into Meta, demanding a decisive non-compliance decision and accompanying penalties. If Meta agrees to the proposed changes, the MEPs emphasize that these measures must match the extent of the concessions granted to American users. They propose the EU be prepared to temporarily block access to platforms if necessary, should other avenues be exhausted and serious harm persists.

The MEPs stress that this isn't about censorship or banning social networks; it's about eliminating a threat that many believe is unjustified. They argue that while hefty fines might be circumvented by tech giants, a court-ordered shutdown directly impacts the business model.

The lawmakers criticize EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen for failing to follow through on her commitment to ensure safer online environments for children. They question whether child protection remains a priority for the commission. The EU initiated its probe into Meta under the Digital Services Act in 2024, a content regulation fiercely opposed by the United States. The EU is scheduled to announce measures to potentially ban social media for children later this month, though specific details remain undisclosed.