European Union sets age limit for social networks

On November 26, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recommending that EU member states establish a uniform age limit for the use of social networks, video platforms, and artificial intelligence services. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This document is an important initiative aimed at protecting minors from the negative impacts of the digital space. According to the resolution, individuals over 16 years old can independently register on platforms.

Adolescents aged 13 to 16 can use these services with written parental consent. Children under 13 are prohibited from using these platforms.

The European Parliament emphasized that the main goal of these measures is to reduce problems arising from increased screen time among teenagers. These include digital addiction, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulties in concentrating.

The document is advisory in nature and does not directly introduce legislation. However, several countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands have expressed readiness to implement this age limit in practice.

For example, in Australia, the minimum age limit is already set at 16. Major technology companies are approaching this issue cautiously.

Companies like Meta and TikTok have announced their willingness to cooperate with regulators. At the same time, it was warned that mandatory age verification may require significant technological changes.

The resolution also proposes limiting mechanisms that enhance addiction, such as infinite scrolling and aggressive recommendation algorithms.