Harris-Hess mentioned a recent ministerial meeting in Nicosia, where EU countries reached consensus on a proposed EU-wide restriction, signaling political support.
If a ban is implemented, it is crucial to consider the environment for minors who can access the service. Protection is necessary for those between the lower age limit and the age of majority, which is 18.
Harris-Hess acknowledged that a legal EU-wide ban is possible but avoided the term “ban” due to its emotional weight, citing practical challenges, as seen in Australia.
Australia’s under-16 social media ban, introduced last year, has not significantly affected platform behavior or children’s activities, as per the Australian government’s findings.
Sonia Livingstone, a professor from the London School of Economics and Political Science leading the Commission’s panel of experts, opposed a blanket ban. She told POLITICO that defining and implementing age restrictions is complex.
“The ban sounds simple, and it isn’t,” she explained. Key questions include what to ban, which services, enforcement methods, and provisions for children post-ban. She also raised concerns about children finding workarounds, increasing their risk. Thus, a ban is not straightforward, according to Livingstone.
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