Key Facts
• July 14, 2025: EU Commission announces guidelines to protect minors online.
• IT companies urged to tighten age verification and reduce risks on social platforms.
• Guidelines aim to address harmful content and cyberbullying risks on social media.
• Measures align with the Digital Services Act (DSA) to regulate major IT firms.
• Age verification apps trialed in France and Italy, with plans for broader adoption.
• EU Vice President Birgitta Birknen emphasizes child safety as a top priority.
• French President Macron considers banning social media for those under 15.
• Guidelines target IT companies continuing practices that endanger children.
Summary
The European Union (EU) has introduced new guidelines to enhance online safety for minors, announced on July 14, 2025. These measures, part of the Digital Services Act (DSA), require IT companies to implement stricter age verification and reduce risks associated with social media, such as harmful content and cyberbullying. Age verification apps have been trialed in France and Italy, with plans for wider implementation. EU Vice President Birgitta Birknen highlighted the importance of protecting children online, calling it a priority. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron is considering banning social media use for individuals under 15. The guidelines aim to hold IT companies accountable for practices that jeopardize child safety.
