TL;DR
The EU announced plans to target addictive features on TikTok and Instagram, including endless scrolling and autoplay, to safeguard children. The region aims to implement new regulations and age verification tools soon.
The European Union has announced plans to regulate ‘addictive design’ features on TikTok and Instagram, targeting aspects like endless scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications. This move aims to protect children from harmful content and addictive behaviors, marking a significant step in EU digital policy.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the bloc will take action against TikTok and Meta (owner of Instagram and Facebook) for their use of features that encourage prolonged engagement among young users. The EU is also investigating platforms that allow children to access harmful content, such as videos promoting eating disorders or self-harm.
The EU has developed an age verification app with high privacy standards, which member states can integrate into their digital wallets to enforce age restrictions more effectively. The European Commission is preparing a legal proposal, possibly by summer, following advice from its ‘Special Panel of experts on Child Safety Online.’
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it signals a proactive stance by the EU to curb social media’s impact on children’s mental health and safety. It could lead to stricter regulations for major tech firms operating within Europe, influencing global standards and prompting industry-wide changes in platform design.
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Background
The EU has been increasingly scrutinizing U.S. tech giants over issues related to child safety and platform accountability. Recent actions include fines against Meta for failing to prevent under-13s from accessing its platforms and investigations into Elon Musk’s X for hosting non-consensual content involving minors. This move aligns with broader efforts across Europe to limit children’s exposure to harmful online content and addictive features.
“We are taking action against TikTok and its addictive design – endless scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications. The same applies to Meta, because we believe Instagram and Facebook are failing to enforce their own minimum age of 13.”
— Ursula von der Leyen
“No more excuses – the technology for age-verification is available.”
— Ursula von der Leyen
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how quickly the EU will implement these regulations and how major platforms will respond. Details about the specific features targeted and the scope of enforcement are still emerging, and companies may challenge certain measures legally.
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What’s Next
The European Commission is expected to finalize its legal proposal later this year, after consultations with experts. Platforms will need to adapt their systems to comply with new regulations, and enforcement will likely begin shortly thereafter. Monitoring of the impact on platform design and user behavior will follow.
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Key Questions
What specific features will the EU target on TikTok and Instagram?
The EU plans to target features like endless scrolling, autoplay videos, push notifications, and any design elements that encourage prolonged use among children.
When will these new regulations take effect?
The EU is aiming to introduce a legal proposal by summer 2024, with enforcement expected later in the year after legislative approval.
How will the EU verify the age of social media users?
The EU has developed an advanced age verification app with high privacy standards, which member states can incorporate into digital wallets to enforce age restrictions effectively.
Could these regulations affect how platforms design their apps globally?
While the regulations apply within the EU, they could influence global platform design, as companies may implement similar features worldwide to maintain compliance and user safety.
What are the potential consequences for platforms that fail to comply?
Non-compliance could result in fines, restrictions, or other enforcement actions by EU authorities, similar to previous penalties for data privacy violations.
