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The European Union (EU) has demanded that tech giants Apple, Google, Snapchat, and YouTube explain what measures they are taking to safeguard children online.
The move marks the latest step in the bloc’s effort to tighten oversight of digital platforms under the landmark Digital Services Act (DSA).
EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen confirmed on Friday that formal requests for information had been sent to the four companies.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU ministers in Denmark, Virkkunen stressed the need for stronger online protections for minors.
“Privacy, security and safety have to be ensured, and this is not always the case,” she said.
“That’s why the Commission is tightening the enforcement of our rules. Just today, we have sent requests for information to Snapchat, YouTube, Apple Store and Google Play, to examine what practices they have in place to protect minors online.”
Virkkunen did not elaborate on the specific details of the requests but said more information would be released in a statement later on Friday.
Denmark’s Digital Minister, Caroline Stage Olsen, also voiced concerns about social media misuse, claiming that people were using Snapchat to sell drugs.
The EU’s move comes as part of a wider series of investigations under the DSA, which requires major online platforms to take stronger action against illegal content and harmful online practices.
Brussels is already scrutinising Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, along with TikTok, over allegations that they fail to adequately address the addictive nature of their platforms for young users.
Inspired by Australia’s recent ban on social media for children under 16, EU officials are now examining whether a similar measure could be implemented across the 27-member bloc.
France and Spain are among the countries advocating for stricter age-based restrictions on access to social media platforms.
Denmark, which currently holds the rotating six-month EU presidency, has been urging collective EU action to protect minors online.
Earlier this week, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 15.
During Friday’s ministerial meeting, EU leaders are expected to discuss age verification systems and broader strategies to make digital spaces safer for children.
According to a draft document seen by AFP, ministers will likely issue a joint statement supporting the European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to study the feasibility of an EU-wide digital age of majority.
Von der Leyen said last month that she intends to set up a panel of experts “to assess what steps make sense” at the European level to address children’s exposure to online risks.
