{
  "id": 6389378,
  "title": "EU faces revolt over social media ban for children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/eu-faces-revolt-over-social-media-ban-for-children-6389378",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-09T06:05:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Economic Times Tech",
    "slug": "economic-times-tech",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/eu-faces-revolt-over-social-media-ban-for-children/articleshow/133955644.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Union is preparing to unveil plans to safeguard minors online, but proposals to curb their social media usage and enforce age checks have sparked criticism from children's rights groups and privacy advocates. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to deliver a speech to the European Parliament next week, outlining the bloc's strategy to limit children's social media use. The proposal varies between restricting access for those under 13, a recommendation from an expert panel, or under 15, a demand from France. This follows over a year of pressure from numerous EU nations, including Denmark and Greece, and comes after Australia's strict ban in December 2025. Other countries, such as Britain, have since adopted similar measures. Critics argue that mounting evidence highlights the detrimental impact of social media on children's mental and physical health. Regardless of the EU's decision, the implementation of an age-check system will accompany the plan to ensure compliance. However, the EU faces criticism from various factions over the proposed measures. Children's rights organizations argue that such restrictions infringe on minors' freedoms, while digital rights groups express concerns about the effectiveness of age verification. Christian Cirhigiri of the Centre for Democracy and Technology (CDT) Europe contends that platforms should be regulated, not children's online access. Christian Cirhigiri stated, \"To protect the fundamental rights of children, it is platforms that must be the focus of regulation, not children's access to online participation.\" Some 132 rights and mental health organizations and experts also oppose a blanket ban, urging the EU to compel Big Tech to enhance platform safety. However, Estonia's digital minister, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, supports the potential ban, arguing that the responsibility lies with platforms to change their addictive designs. The EU has already employed its digital content law, the Digital Services Act, to compel Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to modify their addictive nature. Some experts worry that age checks, such as the proposed app, could compromise user privacy and restrict online freedom. Paul Moore, a security consultant, demonstrated how he could bypass the app in just two minutes. Despite these concerns, the EU asserts that its user-friendly app preserves privacy through zero knowledge proof, ensuring no personal data is shared with digital platforms.",
  "summary": "The European Union is poised for a big reveal of its plans to keep minors safe online -- but proposals to restrict their social media access and force age checks have drawn fire from children's rights groups and privacy defenders alike. children's rights groups fear that social media limits will infringe on minors' freedoms, while digital rights groups raise concerns over age verification.",
  "key_points": [
    "EU plans to limit children's social media use, sparking controversy",
    "Proposal varies between restricting access for under 13 or under 15",
    "Critics argue restrictions infringe on minors' freedoms"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The EU's plan to restrict children's social media access sparks a debate on balancing minors' online safety with their freedoms, as critics argue for platform regulation over access bans.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "EU faces revolt over social media ban for children",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/eu-faces-revolt-over-social-media-ban-for-children",
        "published": "2026-09-09T02:12:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}