EU Commission Calls on Meta for Enhanced Child Protection

The EU Commission has urged the Meta Group on April 30, 2026, to take measures to better protect children on its platforms Instagram and Facebook. The authority expressed concerns that children can easily falsify their age on these social networks to access content that is unsuitable for them. This criticism comes in a context where the EU is increasingly emphasizing the responsibility of technology companies, particularly regarding the protection of minors. The Commission noted that the existing age verification systems on Instagram and Facebook are insufficient.

Children can manipulate their age with simple adjustments, allowing them to access content that is inappropriate for their age group. This issue has been highlighted in several reports and studies examining the dangers children face online. The EU Commission's statement also points to Meta's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of young users. The authority calls for a revision of existing policies and technologies to ensure that children cannot falsify their age. This could be achieved through improved age verification algorithms or the implementation of additional security measures.

The EU Commission's criticism is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of children in the digital space. In recent years, several European countries have taken similar measures to ensure that social media is safer for minors. The EU plans to deepen these discussions at the next Digital Strategy meeting. Meta has responded to the EU Commission's demands, emphasizing that the company is already working on solutions to enhance child protection on its platforms. The company has previously introduced various features aimed at increasing user safety, including tools for privacy control and content visibility.

The EU Commission has announced that it will closely monitor Meta's progress in the coming months. Should the company fail to implement the required changes, legal action may be considered. This could lead to stricter regulations for social media across the EU. The discussion about child protection online has gained urgency in recent years. According to a 2025 survey, 67% of parents expressed concerns about their children's online safety.

These concerns have prompted policymakers to take action to make the digital environment safer for children. The EU Commission plans to publish a comprehensive report on progress in child protection on social media by the end of 2026. This report will assess the measures taken by companies as well as the effectiveness of existing laws and regulations. The findings could have far-reaching implications for the regulation of social media in Europe. Meta is required to submit a detailed plan for improving child protection on its platforms by June 30, 2026. The EU Commission has emphasized that the safety of children online is a top priority and that companies have a responsibility to take appropriate measures.