The European Commission wants to postpone the bans on social media for minors by at least one year

The European Commission intends to delay by at least one year the implementation of national laws limiting minors’ access to social media, in order to prepare common rules at European Union level. Brussels fears that measures adopted separately by member states could lead to incompatible age limits and regulations that would be difficult to enforce.

Discussions intensified after Austria announced that it was preparing restrictions on children’s and adolescents’ use of social media platforms. Other European governments are also considering similar measures, but the Commission maintains that all children in the EU should benefit from the same level of online protection.

In September, the institution presented the “Children’s Act,” which seeks to strengthen the safety of minors in the digital environment. The document must be approved by the European Parliament and the 27 member states.

The initiative is motivated by risks associated with social media, including screen addiction, cyberbullying, eating disorders, sleep problems and sexual harassment.

France attempted to ban children under 15 from accessing the platforms, but the Constitutional Council annulled the law, citing freedom of expression. President Emmanuel Macron has promised new legislation by spring 2027. At the same time, it remains unclear whether the European delay will affect Paris’s plans.