European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has signaled that the European Union is considering new measures to protect children from the influence of algorithms and excessive exposure to technology.
In a post on X, von der Leyen said Europe should not accept a reality in which childhood is increasingly shaped by algorithms or technology systems that fail to put children’s interests first.
“We do not have to accept childhoods shaped by algorithms. We do not have to accept a system that fails our children. Europe has the power to act,” von der Leyen said.
She added that the EU should ensure children have the time and space they need in the real world, rather than allowing digital platforms and algorithmic systems to dominate their everyday lives.
Von der Leyen said she would present more details of the Commission’s proposal in her upcoming State of the Union address.
The announcement comes as European governments intensify efforts to address concerns over children’s exposure to social media, addictive digital features and algorithmically recommended content. The European Commission is considering a tiered approach to children’s access to digital platforms, while French President Emmanuel Macron has separately called for an EU-wide ban on social media for children under 15.
The debate reflects growing concern across Europe about the impact of digital platforms on children’s safety and well-being, as policymakers seek to place greater responsibility on technology companies to protect younger users.
