Access of young people to social networks: the European Commission wants to freeze new national laws in order to negotiate common rules for the entire EU

The European Commission aims to prevent national laws restricting social media access for minors while proposing a Kids Act to standardize rules across the EU. On October 29, it announced a one-year delay for any national legislation overlapping with the upcoming harmonized rules. Countries like France and Greece, which have already enacted laws, are exempt from this delay. However, Austria's proposed law banning social media for under-14s will not be reviewed. Other member states, including Portugal and Italy, are also drafting similar laws. The Commission emphasizes the need for a unified approach to avoid a fragmented market that could hinder compliance and protection for children.