The European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) outlined its work to strengthen safeguards for minors online, following the European Parliament’s approval of its Protection of Minors Online report and as it develops a separate opinion on the impact of social media and the online environment on young people. IMCO’s report, led by MEP Christel Schaldemose, calls for tighter constraints on harmful digital practices targeting children, including addictive design, dark patterns and targeted advertising. It also urges stronger age-assurance and parental control tools, increased platform accountability under the Digital Services Act, and a digital age limit of 16 for social media access, with no access under 13. The committee is also contributing an opinion, under rapporteur MEP Laura Ballarín Cereza, focusing on youth well-being, mental health and digital rights, and emphasising transparency, education and responsible digital design; the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is the lead committee. The opinion is expected to be voted on in IMCO in February 2026 and in CULT in April 2026.
Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection 2026-01-06
European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection presses for stricter online child protection including a 16 minimum age for social media
The European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection is enhancing online safeguards for minors, advocating stricter controls on harmful digital practices and increased platform accountability under the Digital Services Act. The committee's report recommends a digital age limit of 16 for social media access, with no access under 13, and emphasizes transparency, education, and responsible digital design, with a vote expected in February 2026.