European governments pursue social media curbs alongside EU proposal
Greece has passed restrictions for under-15s, while other countries advance national measures despite backing a common European approach.
European governments are pursuing national restrictions on children’s use of social media rather than waiting for the proposed EU Kids Act. Greece’s parliament has passed a bill barring under-15s from the platforms, while Denmark says it is continuing work on domestic legislation.
Presented in September by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU proposal would exclude children younger than 13 from most existing social networks and impose substantial limits on access for those under 15. It still requires negotiations involving the Commission, the European Parliament and EU governments.
National initiatives differ in their age thresholds. Austria has proposed a ban for under-14s, while ministers in Cyprus approved one covering under-15s. Portugal has submitted its legislation to the Commission for an assessment of whether it complies with EU rules.
Danish digital minister Christina Egelund said children and parents could not wait for EU legislation. A spokesperson for Greece’s digital ministry similarly cited the need for prompt action, describing the national measure as complementary to the EU proposal and reaffirming support for a common approach.
The Commission has said the Kids Act would replace national measures once effective. However, Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the executive was still weighing its response to domestic laws submitted for compatibility checks. Governments favouring an EU-wide solution have sought to avoid differing national requirements and align enforcement with the Digital Services Act.
