EU Presses Snapchat, YouTube to Clarify Child Safety Measures

The European Union has demanded that major digital platforms, including Snapchat and YouTube, provide detailed explanations of how they protect minors from online harm, as the bloc considers introducing continent-wide restrictions on social media access for children.

The EU already enforces strict digital regulations, including provisions on what minors can view online, but officials say growing concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content call for stronger action.

Following Australia’s decision to ban social media use for those under 16, the European Commission is now assessing whether a similar approach could work across the 27-member bloc. Countries such as France and Spain have also urged for limits on minors’ access to social platforms.

Under the Digital Services Act (DSA) — the EU’s main tool for ensuring online platforms curb illegal content and enhance child safety — the Commission has launched new “investigative actions.” It has requested information from Snapchat on its efforts to restrict access for users under 13, and from Apple’s App Store and Google Play on measures to prevent children from downloading harmful or illegal applications.

Specifically, the EU is seeking clarification on how Apple and Google enforce app age ratings and block access to “nudify” tools that generate non-consensual sexualised content. “Privacy, security, and safety must be guaranteed — and that is not always the case,” said EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen, ahead of a meeting of EU ministers in Denmark.

The Commission noted that while these requests for information do not imply any breach of the law, they may lead to further investigations and potential sanctions if violations are found.

In Snapchat’s case, Brussels has also sought details on how the platform prevents the sale of drugs and vaping products to minors — an issue raised by Danish Digital Minister Caroline Stage Olsen. Meanwhile, YouTube has been asked to explain how its recommendation algorithms manage potentially harmful content aimed at young audiences.

The new requests form part of a broader EU effort to enforce online safety standards. Similar probes are ongoing into Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, amid growing concern about the addictive design of social media platforms.

In parallel, EU telecommunications ministers are discussing continent-wide measures to improve child protection online, including age verification systems and a potential digital age of majority for social media access.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly supported the idea and plans to establish an expert panel to explore feasible approaches at the European level. Denmark, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has been leading the charge for stricter online protection measures.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced earlier this week that Denmark intends to ban social media use for children under 15, while France already requires parental consent for users below that age.