EU Chief Urges Stronger Safeguards for Kids Amid AI, Social Media Debate

(MENAFN) The President of the European Commission has urged tougher safeguards for children online, as European Union policymakers continue discussions on new rules governing artificial intelligence and social media platforms.

Ursula von der Leyen warned that digital environments are increasingly shaping childhood in ways that can expose young users to psychological and social risks.

“Children are not little adults. Their minds are delicate, their psychological vulnerability profound.”

She said that exposure to online pressures can contribute to anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, exploitation, and other harms, stressing that such risks are becoming more widespread as digital platforms evolve.

Von der Leyen pointed to the growing influence of social media systems and AI-driven technologies, arguing that platform design choices and engagement-based algorithms are central to the problem. She said these risks are tied to commercial strategies focused on capturing and monetizing user attention.

“These are deliberate choices by tech providers.”

She also highlighted ongoing enforcement actions under EU digital regulations, noting that proceedings have been launched involving several major technology companies, including TikTok, Meta, and X.

According to von der Leyen, existing legislation such as the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act already gives the European Union tools to regulate online platforms, ensure accountability, and strengthen protections for users, particularly minors, as discussions over further rules continue.

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