EU Scrutinizes Tech Platforms Over Child Safety, Focus on Harmful Content
Brussels, October 11, 2025 – The european Commission has launched a formal review of child safety measures implemented by major tech platforms, including Snapchat, YouTube, Apple’s App store, and Google Play. The assessment, conducted under the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), aims to determine whether thes platforms are adequately protecting minors from accessing illegal and harmful content online.
The DSA, a landmark piece of legislation for the European Union, places significant obligation on online businesses to actively address illegal and harmful content disseminated through their services. This latest review specifically focuses on age verification systems and the prevention of access to dangerous products and content, such as illicit drugs, vaping materials, and material promoting eating disorders, as well as other harmful online trends.
“Today, together with the national authorities of the member states, we are assessing whether the measures taken so far by the platforms actually protect children,” stated Henna Virkkunen, EU Commissioner for Technology, in a public declaration. This indicates a heightened level of scrutiny and a commitment to enforcing the DSA’s provisions.
Key Areas of Examination
The Commission’s inquiry will center on several key areas:
* Age Verification: Platforms will be required to detail the methods they employ to verify user ages and prevent underage access to restricted content. Effective age verification remains a significant challenge for online platforms, with concerns around data privacy and the accuracy of existing methods.
* Content Moderation: The review will assess the effectiveness of content moderation systems in identifying and removing harmful content, notably that which targets or exploits children. This includes content promoting self-harm, eating disorders, and exposure to inappropriate material.
* Reporting Mechanisms: The Commission will examine the accessibility and responsiveness of reporting mechanisms for users to flag illegal or harmful content. A robust and easily accessible reporting system is crucial for identifying and addressing harmful content quickly.
* Algorithm Clarity: There is growing pressure on platforms to provide greater transparency regarding the algorithms used to recommend content, as these algorithms can inadvertently expose children to harmful material.
Digital Services Act: A New Era of Online Regulation
The DSA, which came into full effect in February 2024, represents a significant shift in the regulation of online services within the EU. It introduces a tiered system of obligations based on the size and risk profile of online platforms. Vrey Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs), such as those currently under review, face the most stringent requirements.
These requirements include conducting risk assessments, implementing mitigation measures, and providing greater transparency to users and regulators. The DSA also empowers the Commission to impose substantial fines – up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue – for non-compliance.
Broader Implications
This review signals the EU’s determination to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of their users, particularly children. The findings of the assessment are expected to influence future policy decisions and potentially lead to further regulatory action. The outcome will likely be closely watched by tech companies globally, as it could set a precedent for online safety regulations in other jurisdictions.
Sources:
* Reuters. (2025, October 11). EU reviews safeguards for minors on Snapchat, YouTube, Apple’s App Store and Google Play. https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-reviews-safeguards-minors-snapchat-youtube-apples-app-store-google-play-2025-10-11/
* European Commission. (2024). Digital Services Act. https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act
Keywords: Digital Services Act, DSA, EU regulation, online safety, child protection, Snapchat, YouTube, Apple app Store, Google Play, content moderation, age verification, harmful content, eating disorders, Henna Virkkunen, European Commission.
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