EU to Propose Digital Fairness Act by End-2026 as It Weighs Social Media Age Limits
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 12
EU to Propose Digital Fairness Act by End-2026 as It Weighs Social Media Age Limits
7 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 12
Brussels said the Digital Fairness Act will be proposed toward year-end, targeting addictive social-media features that the Commission says are harming children.
Ursula von der Leyen said the rules would curb harmful design practices, set strict limits on AI use in social media and potentially lead to an EU proposal this summer on a minimum access age.
TikTok, Meta and X are already under EU scrutiny: the Commission cited endless scrolling, autoplay and push notifications at TikTok, Meta's enforcement of its 13-plus minimum age, and X's Grok in sexual images of women and children.
The new law would expand the Digital Services Act, sharpening the EU's broader push against platform business models that treat children's attention as a commodity.
Can social media giants be forced to protect children without sacrificing the addictive features that make them profitable?
Will forcing age verification on social media create a safer internet for kids or a surveillance nightmare for everyone?
EU’s 2026 Crackdown: TikTok and Meta Ordered to Redesign Addictive Features, Enforce Age Verification, or Face Billions in Fines
Overview
In April 2026, the European Union intensified its regulatory oversight of major online platforms like Meta and TikTok, driven by the Digital Services Act and new guidelines to protect minors. These measures focus on enhancing child safety, tackling addictive design features, and upholding fundamental rights. The European Commission found Meta in breach of DSA rules for failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing Instagram and Facebook, highlighting the EU’s commitment to online child protection. This regulatory push signals a shift toward stricter enforcement and sets a precedent for how digital platforms must prioritize user safety and responsible design.