Enforcement remains difficult due to fragmentation among the DSA, GDPR, and audiovisual rules, underscoring the need for better coordination, resources, and reliable age verification.

A Digital Fairness Act is cited as the framework to crack down on persuasive technologies, including precision advertising, influencer marketing, addictive patterns, and dark patterns.

The vote is non-binding and has sparked debate about national-level decisions versus EU-wide action and concerns about EU overreach.

The debate is part of a wider international context, noting trials of age assurance face real challenges like false positives/negatives and the need for practical buffer zones around age gates.

The European Parliament is pushing for an EU-wide minimum age for social media access, proposing a ban on users under 16 from accessing online platforms, video-sharing sites, and AI companions without parental consent, with an outright ban for those under 13.

The resolution calls for stronger measures against addictive design and manipulation online, highlighting risks to the physical and mental health of young people.

The initiative fits into broader European discussions, with references to similar measures in Australia and potential guidance from EU leadership.

Concurrent EU regulatory scrutiny of tech platforms, including investigations into Shein and TikTok over mental health and other concerns, signals a period of heightened regulation.

The text connects to ongoing efforts to shape future EU legislation, signaling the Parliament’s intent to guide policy rather than pass new laws itself.

Malaysia’s minister stated plans to require digital platforms to implement customer identity verification by next year and to observe Australia’s approach as a reference point.

The report features Chiara Castro, a TechRadar multimedia journalist, outlining her focus areas and contact details.

The article places the push within broader EU digital-safety debates, child protection, and platform accountability.