What's Happening?
The EU's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee has adopted a report recommending the European Commission to ban loot boxes in games accessible to minors and restrict social media access for
those under 16. The report, passed with 32 votes in favor, 5 against, and 9 abstentions, aims to address online harms faced by minors, including gambling-like mechanisms and manipulative technologies. The committee suggests a minimum age of 13 for social media access with parental permission, and 16 without. The recommendations also include tackling targeted ads, influencer marketing, and addictive design under the proposed Digital Fairness Act.
Why It's Important?
The recommendations reflect growing concerns about the impact of digital environments on minors, particularly regarding mental health and consumer protection. If implemented, these measures could significantly alter the gaming and social media landscapes, affecting companies that rely on these mechanisms for revenue. The move may also set a precedent for other regions to follow, potentially leading to global changes in how digital content is regulated for minors. The focus on protecting minors aligns with broader EU efforts to enhance digital safety and privacy.
What's Next?
The European Commission will consider these recommendations, which could lead to legislative changes and stricter regulations on digital content for minors. Stakeholders, including gaming companies and social media platforms, may need to adapt their business models to comply with new regulations. The recommendations could also spark debates on the balance between protecting minors and preserving digital freedoms, influencing future policy decisions in the EU and beyond.
