EU urged to act faster on online risks facing children
Stronger regulation is needed to protect children from online abuse, exploitation and unsafe platforms, the Online Safety Coordinator with the Children's Rights Alliance has urged.
Children's online safety is a pressing concern, with the need for stronger regulations highlighted by Noeline Blackwell, the Online Safety Coordinator for the Children's Rights Alliance. Following the European Commission's proposal to ban social media access for children under 13, as well as new "safe design" obligations for platforms used by young people aged 15 to 18, Blackwell urged for more immediate action.
The EU's new Kids Act aims to gradually and differentiatedly protect children online. Blackwell emphasized that children under 13 should be barred from accessing social media, citing evidence of addictive platform features that can harm children when used excessively. She commended the Commission's evidence-led approach, which shifts responsibility to technology companies to ensure product safety.
Despite past reluctance to confront major tech firms, Blackwell noted a clear line has been drawn, requiring platforms to prevent children under 18 from accessing harmful or illegal content. Concerns around artificial intelligence and online gaming are also expected to face greater scrutiny. However, the most urgent issue remains the risk of online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Blackwell criticized the slow pace of legislative reform, stating that European institutions struggle to balance privacy rights with child protection measures. She expressed hope that renewed efforts would lead to stronger regulations, improved detection systems, and greater harmonisation of laws across Europe, ensuring children's safety both online and offline.
Written by urgent.news from RTE News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
