Foreign Affairs
Protecting Kids Online: EPP’s Push for Stronger Rules
By Editorial Staff
On January 15, the EPP Group hosted a hearing titled “Protection of Minors Online – EPP Group Hearing”, which was divided into two panels.
Current Legal Framework and Enforcement
The first panel focused on the existing legal landscape and enforcement efforts. Dora David (HU, EPP), EPP Shadow Rapporteur on the protection of minors online, highlighted the risks children face in the digital world and urged collective action to improve safeguards. Ewa Kopacz (PL, EPP) emphasized the importance of identifying gaps in current regulations, while Caterina Chinnici (IT, EPP) stressed the need to protect children who engage with online platforms at increasingly younger ages. She recognized the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) as significant steps forward but called for further insights from civil society to refine future policies.
Anna Galambos, UNICEF Child Ambassador, criticized platform algorithms for fostering addictive engagement and exposing young users to commercial exploitation. Irene Roche Laguna, Head of Unit Platforms Policy and Enforcement at DG CNECT, acknowledged that minors were not a priority in the initial DSA proposal but assured that enforcement now prioritizes child protection. Responding to questions about the effectiveness of the DSA, she noted that ongoing investigations into Meta and TikTok focus on addictive platform designs and their impact on children’s well-being. While no fixed deadlines exist, she expressed confidence that substantial evidence will be gathered to hold platforms accountable.
Maryant Fernández Pérez (BEUC) underscored the economic burden of children’s negative online experiences, pointing to the exploitation of minors’ data and the impact of manipulative design practices, including unhealthy food advertisements. Hugh Kirk (DIGITALEUROPE) advocated for a harmonized European regulatory framework, while Pablo Arias Echeverría (ES, EPP) called for stronger age verification mechanisms and shifting responsibility from parents to platforms. The panel also discussed the importance of allowing users to opt out of personalized recommendations.
The Way Forward
The second panel addressed future strategies. Pablo Arias Echeverría (ES, EPP) criticized large platforms, comparing them to tobacco companies, arguing that the entities creating the problems should not be the ones proposing solutions. Maria-Myrto Kanellopoulou, Head of Unit Consumer Law at DG JUST, discussed the Digital Fairness Act (DFA), which aims to tackle dark patterns, addictive design, and unfair personalization, particularly concerning children. She also raised concerns about hidden marketing tactics used by influencers, including those promoting unhealthy habits. When asked about the DFA’s timeline, she stated that preparatory work is starting this semester, but the final proposal is not expected before 2026.
The hearing concluded with remarks from Andreas Schwab (DE, EPP), EPP coordinator in the IMCO Committee, who emphasized that platforms play a role in children’s online addiction. While the DSA addresses some risks, he noted that further gaps remain and must be examined. However, he cautioned that legal action alone is not sufficient—citizens and society as a whole must also take responsibility.