Cullen International has just published an updated version of its benchmark showing if in some selected countries there are debates/initiatives on banning access to social media with the aim of protecting minors.

These initiatives have come after the European Commission adopted non-binding guidelines on article 28 of the Digital Services Act (DSA) which detail what online platforms should do to protect minors online. In the guidelines, the Commission seems to recognise the ability of the member states to adopt bans, but the matter is not clear from a legal point of view. Indeed, it is uncertain if these initiatives imposing a digital majority are compatible with the DSA.

Initiatives in thirteen countries

The benchmark shows that thirteen out of the fifteen countries surveyed are debating or have initiatives (in place or proposed) which aim to ban minors from accessing social media. 

Out of these thirteen countries, only Denmark, France, Italy and Spain are proposing legislation. 

In the other countries (Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK), the matter is also being debated or is subject to studies or consultation, without any legislative initiative at this stage. Poland specified that it is preparing a parliamentary bill based on the Australian model, and Belgium announced that a proposal could be adopted by the end of 2026. 

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