Netherlands latest European country to mull social media ban for children

Steven

Netherlands latest European country to mull social media ban for children

Summary

The Dutch minority government is pushing for an enforceable European minimum age of 15 to access social media, backed by privacy-friendly age verification and stricter oversight of large platforms. The coalition wants transparency on algorithms and revenue, faster removal of illegal content, and bans on “addictive, polarising, and anti-democratic algorithms.” Proposed measures also include guidance for parents and keeping smartphones out of schools. The move follows similar actions elsewhere: France will bar under-15s, the UK is considering a ban for under-16s, and Australia implemented a ban for under-16s that led to the deactivation of millions of suspected child accounts.

Key Points

  • Dutch coalition proposes a Europe-wide minimum social media age of 15 with privacy-friendly age checks.
  • Plans call for greater transparency from large platforms on algorithms and revenue models.
  • Regulators would require rapid removal of punishable content — within an hour of an order.
  • The proposal targets “addictive, polarising, and anti-democratic” algorithms for prohibition.
  • Complementary measures include parental guidance on screen time and bans on smartphones in schools.
  • Reflects a growing international trend: France (under 15), the UK (considering under 16) and Australia (ban for under 16 already effective).

Why should I read this?

Because this could change how kids use the internet across Europe — and fast. If governments push through age limits, expect big shifts in platform policies, verification tech and what counts as acceptable moderation. Worth a quick read if you care about kids, policy or the future of social platforms.

Author style

Punchy: This isn’t just another policy paper — it’s part of a rapid wave of national moves that could reshape platform obligations and user onboarding across Europe. If you’re tracking regulation or product responses from social platforms, the details matter.

Source

Source: https://therecord.media/netherlands-social-media-ban-children