The European Union escalated its scrutiny of major tech companies, issuing formal requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to Apple, Google, Snapchat, and YouTube regarding their measures to safeguard children online. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen announced the probes ahead of a ministerial meeting in Denmark, emphasizing that "privacy, security, and safety have to be ensured."

The inquiries target app stores like Apple's App Store and Google Play, as well as platforms like Snapchat and YouTube, to assess practices protecting minors from harmful content and addictive features. Virkkunen highlighted the commission's intent to tighten enforcement, with further details promised in a forthcoming press release.

This latest action builds on ongoing investigations into Meta's Facebook and Instagram, alongside TikTok, amid concerns that these platforms fail to adequately curb their addictive designs for young users. Danish Digital Minister Caroline Stage Olsen raised alarms about Snapchat being exploited for drug sales, underscoring the urgency of collective EU action.

Denmark, holding the rotating EU presidency, has championed enhanced protections, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announcing plans for a national ban on social media for children under 15. The DSA, a comprehensive law mandating platforms to combat illegal content, includes specific provisions for child safety, prompting ministers to deliberate on age verification and broader safeguards during Friday's gathering.

Inspired by Australia's recent ban on social media for those under 16, several EU member states, including France and Spain, are advocating for similar restrictions across the 27-country bloc. The ministers are poised to endorse a joint statement supporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's initiative to form an expert panel assessing a potential EU-wide "digital majority age." Von der Leyen, who proposed the study last month, aims to evaluate feasible steps at the bloc level to shield minors from online risks. This push reflects growing consensus on the need for harmonized rules to address the digital vulnerabilities of youth.

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The EU's proactive stance signals a pivotal moment in regulating Big Tech, prioritizing child welfare over unchecked innovation. As platforms face mounting pressure to implement robust age assurance and content moderation, the outcomes of these probes could reshape app ecosystems and social media access in Europe. With Denmark leading the charge, the bloc is moving toward a unified framework that balances technological freedom with the imperative to protect the next generation from the perils of the digital age.

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