The European Union is taking major steps to make the internet safer for children, and it’s asking the public to weigh in. A new draft plan outlines how platforms like TikTok and Instagram can better protect minors from harmful content and cyberbullying. Proposed measures include setting accounts to private by default, verifying ages, and changing recommendation algorithms to avoid promoting toxic trends. The EU also wants platforms to make it easier for kids to block users and manage who can contact them.
The consultation is open to parents, children, and other stakeholders. These recommendations are part of the broader Digital Services Act, which holds platforms accountable for harmful content. Final guidelines are expected this summer. With these steps, the EU hopes to set a new standard for protecting kids in the digital world.