The Flanders region of Belgium has banned social networks for children under the age of 13.

The Flanders region of Belgium will impose restrictions on technology platforms, prohibiting minors under the age of 13 from creating accounts on social media due to health risks. The announcement was made by Cieltje Van Achter, the media spokesperson for the Flemish government, who emphasized that the age limit will be enforced through a decree, considering that, although it already exists in theory, it is easy to circumvent. Van Achter mentioned that platforms like TikTok and Snapchat have already been criticized for harmful content, including excessive addiction and the circulation of sexual images.

The Flemish authorities will create a list of platforms deemed harmful, requiring them to implement an effective age verification system for users. Non-compliance with these rules could result in fines for social media companies. Van Achter emphasized that large technology companies must become more responsible and that Flanders will not tolerate their indifference towards the safety of children.