Brussels Launches Investigations into Tech Giants Over Minor Safety
The European Commission has initiated formal investigations into Snapchat,YouTube,AppleS App Store,adn google Play to assess their compliance with new guidelines designed to protect minors online,as outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA). The inquiries focus on the platforms’ measures to verify user age and prevent children from accessing illegal or harmful content.
These investigations mark the first official actions taken under the DSA’s provisions for safeguarding young users. The Commission is requesting detailed information from each platform regarding their specific systems and practices.
Snapchat is being asked to clarify how it enforces its terms of service prohibiting use by children under 13, and how it prevents the sale of illegal goods, such as drugs and e-cigarettes, to underage users.
YouTube’s inquiry will examine both its age verification processes and the functionality of its suggestion algorithm. The Commission aims to understand how the platform addresses the spread of possibly harmful content to minors, following concerns raised about inappropriate video recommendations.
Apple and Google will be required to detail how they manage risks associated with apps available on their respective platforms.This includes scrutiny of how they prevent the download of illegal or harmful applications – such as gambling apps or those generating non-consensual sexualized images - and how age ratings are applied to apps.
“Protecting the physical and mental well-being of minors online is a top priority,” stated Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for EU Technological Sovereignty. “Platforms must ensure their services are safe for young people, either by applying the guidelines or adopting equally effective solutions. We are evaluating whether current tools adequately protect children.”
The Commission is collaborating with national authorities to identify platforms posing the greatest risks to minors and ensure consistent application of the DSA’s child protection rules across the European Union,irrespective of platform size. This initiative represents a key step in strengthening the enforcement of the DSA and creating a safer digital environment for children and adolescents.
