TL;DR
The European Union announced plans to regulate TikTok and Instagram, focusing on their ‘addictive’ features that target children. The EU aims to introduce new rules and an age verification system later this year.
The European Union has announced plans to regulate social media platforms TikTok and Instagram, targeting features deemed ‘addictive’ that are designed to keep users, especially children, engaged. This move is part of broader efforts to protect minors from harmful content and behavioral manipulation, marking a significant step in EU digital policy.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children that the EU will take action against ‘addictive design’ features such as endless scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications on TikTok and Instagram. The EU also plans to implement its own age verification tool, which Von der Leyen described as having the ‘highest privacy standards in the world.’ This system is designed to be integrated into digital wallets used by member states, making enforcement feasible for online platforms.
The EU’s investigation targets platforms that allow children to access content that could promote eating disorders, self-harm, or other harmful behaviors. Von der Leyen emphasized that the technology for effective age verification is available and that the EU could have a legal proposal prepared by summer, pending advice from its ‘Special Panel of experts on Child Safety Online.’ CNBC has approached ByteDance and Meta for comment regarding these plans.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it represents a coordinated effort by the EU to regulate the design of social media platforms to prevent addiction and protect minors. With platforms like TikTok and Instagram facing increased scrutiny, this could lead to stricter rules globally, influencing how social media companies design their products and enforce age restrictions. The move also highlights growing concerns about mental health impacts and harmful content targeting children.
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Background
The EU has been increasingly active in regulating Big Tech over the past year, focusing on accountability and child safety. Recent actions include fines against Meta and Google for violations of antitrust laws and breaches of the Digital Services Act, particularly regarding under-13s’ access to platforms. The EU’s efforts follow a broader international trend, with countries like Australia proposing bans on social media use for under-16s. The investigation into Elon Musk’s X for inappropriate content further underscores the region’s focus on online safety and platform responsibility.
“We are taking action against TikTok and its addictive design – endless scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications. The same applies to Meta, because we believe Instagram and Facebook are failing to enforce their own minimum age of 13.”
— Ursula von der Leyen
“The technology for age-verification is available. No more excuses.”
— Ursula von der Leyen
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear exactly what specific regulations will be enacted, how platforms will implement the new age verification system in practice, and what penalties might be imposed for non-compliance. Details of the final legislative proposal and timeline remain to be seen as the EU consults with experts and stakeholders.
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What’s Next
The EU Commission is expected to finalize its legislative proposal by summer 2024, after reviewing advice from its expert panel. Member states will then need to adopt and implement the new rules, with enforcement mechanisms to follow. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram will likely need to modify their features to comply with upcoming regulations.
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Key Questions
What specific features will the EU target on TikTok and Instagram?
The EU is focusing on features such as endless scrolling, autoplay videos, push notifications, and other design elements that promote prolonged use and addiction, especially targeting children.
Will these regulations apply to platforms outside the EU?
While the regulations will directly apply within the EU, they could influence global platform policies due to market pressures and the desire to maintain access to the EU’s digital market.
How will the EU’s age verification system work?
The EU has developed a privacy-focused age verification app that can be integrated into digital wallets used by member states, enabling platforms to verify users’ age without compromising privacy.
When will these regulations take effect?
The EU aims to have a legislative proposal ready by summer 2024, with implementation expected later in the year after member states adopt the rules.
What are the potential penalties for platforms that fail to comply?
While specific penalties have not yet been detailed, they could include fines and restrictions on platform operations within the EU, similar to previous enforcement actions.
