EU leaves 'all doors open' on bloc-wide age limits for social media use

BRUSSELS

The European Commission said on Monday that it is keeping "all doors open" on possible EU-wide action on minimum age limits for social media use, as Austria considers banning access for children aged under 14, while French lawmakers have already agreed on a ban on social media for those under 15.

Speaking at the EU Commission's midday briefing, spokesperson Thomas Regnier said member states are allowed to set minimum age limits for their own citizens, but cannot impose additional obligations on online platforms beyond what is already regulated at EU level.

"Can Austria set a minimum age for its citizens? Yes, it can," Regnier said, noting that similar national rules already exist in countries such as France. "Can Austria put additional obligations on very large online platforms? This is not possible, because this is already regulated under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act (DSA)."

Under the DSA, all online platforms are required to ensure a high level of safety, security, and privacy for users, particularly minors. Age verification tools, Regnier said, are considered appropriate where a national minimum legal age exists, but the legal obligations for platforms are harmonized at the EU level.

Despite this, Regnier stressed that the EU Commission is continuing close cooperation with member states and has not ruled out further European action.

"We're working closely, hand in hand with our member states. The Commission is currently leaving all doors open. ... If there is a need, from a European point of view to go a step further, then why would we close this door?" Regnier said.

The commission is in the process of setting up a panel of experts to assess whether additional EU-wide measures are necessary, he added.

The remarks come as Austria weighs a potential ban on social media use for children aged under 14, aiming to implement the measure at the start of the next school year, and is examining technical enforcement options.

France has already moved ahead at national level. A bill backed by President Emmanuel Macron was approved by the National Assembly’s lower house on Jan. 26 and aims to enforce a ban from the 2026 school year, with full age verification for all users set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.