Source: European Parliament
The protection of minors online is a priority for the Commission. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA),[1] providers of designated Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs)[2] are required to conduct systemic risk assessments, considering inter alia actual or foreseeable risks to the protection of minors as well as a person’s physical and mental well-being, and to put in place effective mitigation measures to address these.
These assessments should consider whether and how the design of the recommender systems may influence such risks. In addition, the providers of online platforms accessible to minors shall put in place appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security of minors.
The Commission has taken swift action in relation to DSA enforcement and opened formal proceedings against the provider of TikTok[3] to assess whether it may have breached the DSA in relation to the protection of minors online and to the functioning of the recommender systems.
The investigations are ongoing. If the Commission establishes a breach of the DSA, a fine of up to 6% of global turnover of the provider may be imposed.
The Commission is developing guidelines on the protection of minors online under the DSA[4] as well as an Action Plan to counter cyberbullying. The Commission will also launch an EU-wide inquiry into the broader impacts of social media on well-being[5].
The European Strategy for a better Internet for kids (BIK+)[6] promotes a responsible use of technology by supporting children, their carers and teachers through the awareness and education activities organised by the Safer Internet Centres and the information and training material available in all language on the BIK platform[7].
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32022R2065.
- [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses.
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_926.
- [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-launches-call-evidence-guidelines-protection-minors-online-under-digital-services-act.
- [5] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf.
- [6] COM/2022/212 final.
- [7] https://www.betterInternetforkids.eu.