Social Platforms Urge EU to Maintain Strong Child Protection Standards

Major social media platforms have called on European Union regulators to ensure continuity in child protection measures as the bloc intensifies its oversight of online spaces for minors. The appeal comes amid sweeping regulatory momentum across Europe, with platforms under growing pressure to demonstrate compliance with evolving digital safety standards.

The EU’s Expanding Regulatory Framework

The European Commission’s guidelines under the Digital Services Act set out key safety recommendations, including setting minors’ accounts to private by default, improving moderation and reporting tools, and using effective age assurance methods. European Commission While not legally binding, these guidelines are widely regarded as the de facto gold standard for compliance across the EU. Hogan Lovells

Platforms have invested significantly in building tools and systems aligned with these guidelines, and industry voices are now stressing that any regulatory transition or restructuring should not disrupt protections already in place. Regulators are expected to maintain a strong focus on protecting children and their personal data online throughout 2026, reinforcing the need for digital players to adopt proactive and robust safeguards. Reed Smith

National Bans Adding Pressure

The call comes as individual EU member states push ahead with stricter national measures. In January 2026, the French National Assembly approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15, while Spain announced plans in February 2026 to ban access for users under 16. Wikipedia

A Special Panel established by the European Commission held its first meeting on 5 March 2026, and is expected to deliver recommendations by summer 2026 to guide potential further EU-level action, including a possible harmonised age limit for social media across member states. European Commission

With regulatory change accelerating, platforms are urging Brussels to ensure new rules build upon — rather than replace — existing child safety infrastructure, avoiding gaps that could leave young users vulnerable during any period of transition.