The digital landscape is undergoing a significant shift as concerns grow regarding the impact of social media and online platforms on young people.Increasingly, governments worldwide are considering, and enacting, regulations to protect children and adolescents from potential harms. This isn’t simply about blocking access; it’s about reshaping how the internet functions for a vulnerable population.
The Growing Movement to Protect Young Users Online
A global conversation is unfolding about the duty of tech companies and the need for greater oversight. norway and several U.S. states are already pioneering similar regulations, signaling a broader trend. These efforts reflect a rising awareness of issues like online addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.
The European Union is preparing a comprehensive framework designed to limit minors’ access to social networks,video platforms,and artificial intelligence companies. Under the proposed rules, access for those between 13 and 16 would require parental consent. Furthermore, the framework aims to eliminate addictive design features, restrict targeted advertising, and control algorithmic recommendations directed at young users.This extends to age verification for pornography, with the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and spain either implementing or proposing mandatory checks to ensure users are of legal age.
