EU Proposes Unified Digital Majority Age for Teen Online Access

In a significant move towards enhancing online safety for adolescents, Meta Platforms Inc. has expressed its support for the establishment of a unified Digital Majority Age across European Union (EU) member states. This initiative aims to require parental approval for younger teenagers' access to various digital services, including social media platforms, as part of a broader effort to ensure age-appropriate online experiences.

The proposal, announced on July 2, 2025, reflects a growing consensus among industry leaders and parents regarding the need for better safeguards for teens navigating the digital landscape. This initiative is particularly timely, given the rapid proliferation of digital services and the increasing concerns over the safety and well-being of young users.

According to a recent survey conducted by Morning Consult, nearly 75% of EU parents support the notion of requiring parental consent for app downloads for children and teens under the age of 16. Meta’s Chief Policy Officer, Nick Clegg, emphasized that parents are in the best position to determine which online services their teenagers can safely use, stating, "We believe that regulation should empower parents and provide them with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their children's online activities."

The Digital Majority Age initiative underscores three critical principles: parental approval for app downloads, industry-wide consistency, and robust age verification mechanisms. Clegg noted that the proposal seeks to extend beyond social media, acknowledging that teens engage with a wide array of applications—averaging around 40 different apps per week—covering gaming, streaming, messaging, and browsing.

Experts in child psychology and digital safety have welcomed this proposal. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Child Psychologist at the University of Cambridge, stated, "The digital world is a complex environment for teenagers, and involving parents in the decision-making process is crucial for ensuring their safety. This initiative could significantly reduce the risks associated with unsupervised online interactions."

The need for effective age verification methods is also a focal point of the proposal. Meta has advocated for a solution that is simple, privacy-preserving, and universally applicable across various platforms. "It is essential that these mechanisms do not burden parents while still ensuring that young users are protected," said Clegg.

However, the initiative does not endorse blanket bans on social media. According to Clegg, such bans would undermine parental authority and could push teens toward less regulated platforms that may not offer adequate protections. Instead, Meta advocates for a constructive approach that supports parental involvement without restricting access to valuable online experiences that facilitate social connection and learning.

The implications of establishing a Digital Majority Age extend beyond individual families. Economically, it could reshape the digital services market, prompting companies to adopt more user-friendly parental controls and verification processes. Politically, the initiative may set a precedent for similar regulations outside of Europe, as other regions grapple with the challenges of youth engagement in the digital sphere.

Looking ahead, the implementation of the Digital Majority Age proposal will likely involve extensive consultations with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and tech companies. The ongoing discourse surrounding online safety for teens is expected to gain momentum, with potential legislative developments anticipated in the coming months.

In conclusion, the proposal for a unified Digital Majority Age represents a crucial step towards safeguarding the online experiences of young people across Europe. By fostering a collaborative environment between parents and digital service providers, the initiative seeks to empower families and create a safer digital ecosystem for adolescents. As the landscape of digital interaction continues to evolve, the importance of such measures will undoubtedly grow, necessitating ongoing dialogue and adaptation to ensure the well-being of future generations.