The EU will take action against TikTok and Instagram because of their “dependent” design.

The EU is tightening control over social media – special focus on TikTok and Instagram

At the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen, Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to strengthen regulation of addictive platforms. The spotlight is on TikTok and Meta services (Instagram, Facebook).

> “We are taking action against TikTok’s design—endless scrolling, auto‑play, and push notifications. The same applies to Meta: Instagram and Facebook do not enforce the minimum age of 13,” said the head of the European Commission.

Investigating harmful content for children

The EU is investigating platforms that allow minors to “fall into rabbit holes” of dangerous content. Examples include videos promoting self‑harm and other risky behaviors.

Plans to ban social media for minors

Ly aien stated that this summer the Commission will present a plan for a pan‑European ban on access to social media for minors. This decision will be made in response to growing pressure from member states seeking stronger protection of children from the negative influence of social media.

Support for stricter measures

The European Commission Forum noted that support for tough restrictions has increased in recent months. France, Spain, Greece and Denmark are particularly active in demanding tighter control over addictive online platforms. Ly aien highlighted the rapid development of technology and its penetration into all aspects of adolescents’ lives.

Child safety expert group

The Commission established an independent expert panel to assess possible measures for protecting children on the internet. Some EU countries have already enacted national laws: in France, starting in September, a law will require Instagram and TikTok to block users under 15 and suspend existing accounts.

New age‑verification tool

The EU has developed an age‑verification app that meets the highest privacy standards. According to Ly aien, states will soon be able to integrate this product into their digital wallets to monitor user ages on online platforms. “No more excuses: age‑verification technology is available,” concluded the EC head.

Thus, the EU is ready for stricter regulation of social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, to protect minors from harmful content and addiction.