EU turns up heat on tech giants over Child Safety. The European Union has formally questioned Apple, Snapchat, and YouTube over how they protect children online. The move comes under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s flagship online safety law. Regulators want clear answers from platforms on age limits, harmful content, and recommender systems targeting minors.
Platforms Face Tough Questions
Snapchat has been asked to explain how it blocks under-13 users and prevents the sale of illegal goods such as drugs and vapes. The company says it is “deeply committed” to safety and will cooperate with regulators.
Apple and Google must detail how their app stores stop children from downloading harmful or illegal apps. This includes gambling, nudify, and other inappropriate apps.
YouTube, owned by Google, faces questions about its recommendation system. Regulators want to know how harmful content reaches minors despite parental controls. Google says it already uses strong protections and will keep expanding its safeguards.
EU Pushes for Stronger Rules
The action follows growing political support for a “digital majority age” across the EU. Twenty-five member states, along with Norway and Iceland, back the idea. Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15, while France is exploring similar rules.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has supported age-based online limits. An expert panel will soon study further actions.
While these are formal information requests, they could lead to investigations and fines if platforms fall short. Tech firms, especially from the US, have criticized the DSA as overreaching.
The EU, however, is clear: child safety online is non-negotiable.