EU Finds Meta Inadequate In Preventing Children Under 13 From Using Platforms
EU says Meta failed to prevent under-13 access and assess child safety risks on its platforms.
The European Union on Wednesday accused Meta Platforms of failing to effectively prevent underage users from accessing Facebook and Instagram, escalating enforcement action under the bloc’s Digital Services Act, which is designed to strengthen online safety standards across major tech platforms operating in Europe.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said Meta has not implemented strong enough systems to stop children under 13 from creating accounts on Facebook and Instagram, despite both platforms setting 13 as the minimum age requirement. Regulators said the issue reflects gaps in enforcement rather than policy, pointing to continued access by underage users.
Officials also raised concerns about Meta’s ability to assess and mitigate risks faced by minors once they are on the platforms. These include exposure to age-inappropriate content, interactions with unknown users, and algorithm-driven recommendations that may not be suitable for children. The Commission said such risks require stronger preventive design and monitoring systems.
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The findings come from a 2024 investigation under the Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to actively reduce systemic risks, especially for vulnerable users like children. EU officials emphasized that simply stating age restrictions in terms and conditions is not sufficient. They said companies must demonstrate effective enforcement through technical safeguards and continuous monitoring.
Meta rejected the allegations, saying it already uses detection systems to identify and remove accounts belonging to users under 13. The company described age verification as an industry-wide challenge that cannot be solved by a single platform alone. It added that it remains in discussions with EU regulators and expects to introduce additional safety measures in the near future.
The case now moves into a response phase, where Meta can contest the EU’s preliminary findings before a final ruling is issued. If violations are confirmed under the Digital Services Act, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue. The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of social media platforms and their responsibility to protect minors online.
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