media regulation

The panel recommends the introduction of an EU-wide access restriction to social media and other digital services for children under 13. Children above 13 should have access to age-appropriate services that demonstrate compliance with safety-by-design requirements.

The report supports the idea that online platforms should be responsible for proving that their content and services are safe for minors. It also calls for an integrated European strategy built on the principles of safety and privacy by design, safety by default, age-appropriate design, algorithmic transparency and privacy-preserving age verification mechanisms.

This edition features news about the Commission’s action against four member states for late transposition of the NIS2 Directive; the Commission's action plan to strengthen the EU’s AI capabilities in cybersecurity while reducing technological dependencies; the European Parliament’s proposed amendments to reinstate rules on voluntary detection of child sexual abuse by messaging apps; an update on guidelines adopted by the European Data Protection Board; a European court decision confirming Apple’s designation as a gatekeeper in relation to its App Store and iOS operating system under the Digital Markets Act; the Commission’s announcement that a proposal for an EU-wide social media “delay” (ban) will be adopted; and the Commission’s criticism of France’s proposed social media ban. It also lists events taking place this week.

In the context of the regulatory transparency (TRIS) procedure, the EU Commission sent a detailed opinion to France explaining why its proposal to prevent minors under 15 from accessing social media is not in line with EU law. This will provide useful guidance for other member states wanting to adopt national social media bans, pending the adoption of a possible EU-wide social media ban.

This report highlights recent developments since April 2026: Parliament reopens the legislative process on the cinema and audiovisual culture draft law; the media regulator issues compliance notices to major influencers over hidden advertising practices; stakeholders sign agreement on a new co-regulatory framework for age ratings and child protection, and more.

The report gives an overview of systemic risks identified and the mitigation measures taken across very large online platforms and search engines, with a focus on the protection of minors online.