tech
EU to crack down on TikTok, Instagram's ‘addictive design’ targeting kids on social media
"We are investigating platforms that allow children to go down \"rabbit holes\" of harmful content," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.
TL;DR
- The EU is targeting "addictive design" features on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- These features include endless scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications, which are believed to contribute to harmful content consumption by children.
- The EU Commission is also focused on platforms failing to enforce the minimum age of 13.
- An EU-developed age verification app with high privacy standards will be available for integration into member states' digital wallets.
- Legal proposals regarding child safety online could be ready by summer, pending expert advice.
- The EU's actions are part of a broader trend of global governments increasing scrutiny of Big Tech and social media's impact on children.
- Other countries, including Australia, Spain, France, and the U.K., are also implementing or considering bans and restrictions for minors on social media.