EU urged to act faster on online risks facing children
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Online safety coordinator Noeline Blackwell of the Children’s Rights Alliance urged the EU to accelerate protections for minors after the European Commission proposed a ban on social‑media access for children under 13 and “safe‑design” duties for platforms used by 15‑ to 18‑year‑olds. Blackwell praised the Commission’s evidence‑based approach, citing a July report on addictive features, and warned that current Irish regulations are only two to three years old. She highlighted the growing use of AI chatbots for emotional support, the limited oversight of online gaming, and the persistent threat of sexual abuse and exploitation. Blackwell argued that existing laws already require platforms to block harmful content for under‑18s, yet companies continue to shift responsibility to parents in the digital environment today.
💡 Why It Matters
- · Without enforceable safeguards, AI‑driven and social platforms can become unchecked avenues for exploitation, eroding children’s safety and trust in digital spaces.
