If there is only one Internet, the regulatory framework should also be unified
At Digital Safe for Minors, we advocate for a single, harmonized, clear, and protective European regulatory framework. If there isn’t a second Internet, there shouldn’t be multiple, inconsistent regulations addressing the same issue.
Other countries such as Denmark, France, and Italy are introducing national legislation that restricts social media use for minors under the age of 15, and in Greece the government is considering legislation based on the Australian model.
We want regulation that:
“We urge policymakers to adopt a preventive approach, similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco”
Tara Thiagarajan
Neuroscientist at Stanford University. Founder of Sapiens Lab
Current regulation
Although it falls under several common regulatory frameworks, the protection of minors in the digital environment varies across European Union member states. Countries such as Germany, Spain, and Ireland have already enacted specific laws to combat cybercrime and promote digital literacy.
Photo by Frederic Köberl
Photo by George Prentzas
Age verification systems
One of the latest developments, included in the Digital Services Act, is the implementation of age verification systems. In this context, and to ensure the proper application of Article 28 of the Digital Services Act, the European Commission is working on a harmonized approach to age verification. Pilot programs are currently underway in countries such as Spain and Italy.
These systems allow platforms to verify whether a user is of legal age without the need to share personal data, ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Self-Regulation vs. a Common Framework
While regulators support the technical feasibility of age verification systems, content providers insist that any measures should be applied in a harmonized manner across the EU. They also raise concerns about GDPR compliance and continue to favor self-regulation, which they consider sufficient.
60% of teenagers in Spain know how to bypass parental controls.
A significant proportion of teenagers complain that these monitoring tools limit their privacy, according to the “Childhood and Adolescence in Digital Environments” Study, conducted by the Orange Foundation in partnership with the NGO Save the Children and with the support of the GAD3, 2024.
Photo by Sergio Filmin'
Share your story
Your voice matters. By sharing your experience, you give strength and hope to those who may be going through a similar situation, while also helping us create a safer digital space for minors.
Photo by Delcio F.
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