Children’s rights

EU court clarifies age verification rules for pornographic websites

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has clarified the conditions under which EU Member States may require age verification for users of pornographic websites and restrict the rebroadcasting of information about certain roadside checks.

The ruling concerns joined cases involving WebGroup Czech Republic, NKL Associates and Coyote System. The cases were referred by France’s Council of State and concerned French measures requiring pornographic websites to verify users’ ages and allowing restrictions on geolocation driving assistance services that rebroadcast information about certain roadside checks.

The companies argued that the measures breached the country-of-origin principle under the Directive on electronic commerce. Under that principle, information society services are generally governed by the laws of the Member State in which the provider is established.

The Court found that the contested measures, including age verification requirements, fall within the directive’s coordinated field and that applying them to providers established in other Member States constitutes a restriction on the free movement of the services concerned. However, it said the directive allows such restrictions under certain conditions.

The CJEU said Member States may impose measures on providers established elsewhere in the EU where necessary for recognised objectives such as public policy, public security, or public safety. According to the Court, protecting minors through age verification may constitute a public policy objective, while restrictions on rebroadcasting information about certain roadside checks may be justified on public security grounds.

The Court said such measures must be proportionate and targeted at specific information society services that actually prejudice those objectives. Except in urgent cases, the Member State taking the measure must first ask the provider’s Member State of establishment to act and must notify the European Commission and that Member State before adopting the measure.

The ruling means an EU Member State may require providers established in another Member State to introduce age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing pornographic websites, provided the directive’s conditions are met. The referring French court must determine whether the national age verification measures satisfy those conditions.

The Court also addressed liability for information stored and rebroadcast by online services. It said a provider cannot rely on the hosting liability exemption if it has knowledge of or control over the information. Control can exist when a provider uses an algorithm to determine the conditions, methods and priority according to which information is rebroadcast.

The decision therefore clarifies both the limits of the e-commerce country-of-origin principle and the circumstances in which algorithmic control over content distribution may affect platform liability.

Why does it matter?

The ruling provides important guidance on how EU Member States can pursue online safety objectives while respecting the Digital Single Market’s country-of-origin principle. In particular, it confirms that age verification requirements aimed at protecting minors may be applied to providers established in other Member States, provided procedural safeguards and proportionality requirements are met.

The judgement also has broader implications for platform governance and intermediary liability. By highlighting the relevance of algorithmic control in determining whether a provider can benefit from hosting liability exemptions, the Court contributes to ongoing debates about platform responsibility, content moderation and the legal consequences of algorithm-driven content distribution.

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EU child safety panel concludes work on online protections for minors

The European Union’s Special Panel on child safety online has concluded its final meeting, marking a key step towards developing new recommendations to strengthen protections for minors in the digital environment. Co-chairs are set to present their findings to the European Commission in July.

A newly published Eurobarometer survey highlights growing concerns about young people’s digital habits and online well-being. The survey found that adolescents across Europe spend an average of 4.5 hours online on school days and 6.1 hours at weekends, with 14% reporting more than 10 hours of screen time per day.

The findings also show a strong link between social media use and well-being. Nearly one in three young people reported feeling stressed, sad or excluded, while many also reported exposure to harmful content, including hate speech. EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, have stressed the urgency of strengthening online protections for children.

The final panel meeting brought together educators, legal experts, healthcare professionals, and child rights advocates to review best practices and discuss measures to support parents and guardians. Broader EU initiatives, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and age-verification tools, also form part of the bloc’s wider regulatory response to online risks facing children.

Why does it matter? 

The findings underline a growing public health and policy challenge as children’s digital engagement becomes deeply embedded in daily life, while evidence increasingly links high screen time and social media exposure to emotional distress and reduced well-being.

For the EU, the issue goes beyond individual behaviour, pointing to structural questions around platform accountability, age-appropriate design, and the effectiveness of existing safeguards.

The panel’s recommendations are therefore likely to influence the next phase of EU digital regulation, shaping how online services balance innovation with stronger protections for minors across member states.

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G7 summit to address supply chains, technology and economic growth

Leaders of the G7 nations have gathered in Évian-les-Bains, France, for the 2026 summit, where discussions are expected to focus on economic stability, geopolitical tensions and international cooperation. The meeting comes as governments face growing concerns over global conflicts, economic imbalances and weakened multilateral institutions.

France has placed balanced economic growth and international solidarity at the centre of this year’s agenda. Discussions will examine ways to address macroeconomic imbalances, strengthen partnerships with developing countries and improve the effectiveness of international assistance programmes.

Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea have also been invited to participate in parts of the summit process.

Securing critical mineral supply chains has emerged as a key priority, reflecting growing demand for resources used in renewable energy technologies, semiconductors and digital infrastructure. Leaders are also expected to discuss child safety online, efforts to combat drug trafficking and new initiatives to support cancer research and treatment.

Geopolitical developments will remain a major focus throughout the summit. G7 leaders are expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine, regional security in Europe, and efforts to promote stability in the Middle East, including concerns related to freedom of navigation and broader regional tensions.

Why does it matter? 

The summit highlights how economic security, technology governance and geopolitical stability are becoming increasingly interconnected. Decisions made by the G7 can influence global policy priorities, international cooperation frameworks and supply chain strategies, shaping responses to some of the most significant economic and security challenges facing the world.

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Debate grows over UK’s proposed social media ban for under-16s

Amnesty International has challenged the British government’s decision to introduce a social media ban for under-16s, arguing that it targets children rather than the design choices made by digital platforms.

Responding to the announcement, Amnesty International UK chief executive Kerry Moscogiuri said the government had correctly identified the risks facing young people online but had chosen the wrong solution.

Amnesty argued that social media companies have developed products and business models that prioritise engagement and profit over children’s well-being, privacy and rights.

The organisation argues that social media platforms should be redesigned and regulated more effectively rather than restricting access for young users. The organisation argued that social media remains an important space where children and teenagers learn, communicate with friends, access support networks and participate in public life.

The human rights group is calling for stronger platform regulation, including restrictions on invasive profiling, hyper-personalised recommendation systems, autoplay features and infinite scrolling.

Amnesty also called for stronger protections for children’s privacy and personal data, arguing that responsibility for online safety should rest primarily with technology companies rather than young users.

Ofcom supports further assessment of child online safety measures

In a letter to Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said the regulator had begun examining age-assurance options and would provide an assessment by the end of October 2026 to support parliamentary consideration of the proposals.

The regulator also pledged to continue prioritising enforcement of existing child protection measures under the Online Safety Act and confirmed it will publish reports on enforcement outcomes and evaluate the impact of the proposed ban within a year of implementation.

Why does it matter?

The debate highlights two competing approaches to child online safety. One approach focuses on restricting access to social media for younger users, while the other seeks to address the design features and business models that critics argue contribute to online harms.

The discussion also reflects broader questions about platform accountability, children’s rights and digital governance. As governments around the world consider age restrictions, age verification requirements and online safety measures, policymakers continue to grapple with how to balance child protection, privacy, freedom of expression and access to digital services.

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Europol warns of rising online exploitation of minors

Europol has warned that criminal networks are increasingly using digital platforms to target, manipulate and recruit minors into criminal activity.

The agency said offenders exploit online environments, including dark web portals, social media networks, games and e-commerce platforms, which can offer anonymity, reach and operational efficiency. Europol and the EU member states have observed growing use of these digital tools to target and recruit minors.

According to Europol, young people are being drawn into offences including cyberattacks, drug distribution, online fraud and money laundering. In some cases, minors are also exposed to extremist ideologies, manipulation and pressure from online communities.

Europol said digital tools have made recruitment easier to scale and harder to detect. Minors may initially be approached as victims, but can later be pressured into carrying out further offences, increasing both the harm to the child and the reach of criminal networks.

The agency said it is working with the EU member states and international partners to strengthen intelligence sharing, operational support and the disruption of criminal groups. Prevention efforts also include awareness-raising and guidance for parents, educators and communities to help identify risks and support vulnerable minors.

Why does it matter?

The warning shows how child safety and organised crime are increasingly overlapping in online spaces. Social media, gaming environments, e-commerce platforms and dark web channels can be used not only to exploit minors, but also to recruit them into cybercrime, fraud, drug distribution or extremist networks. That creates a governance challenge for law enforcement, schools, parents and platforms, especially where manipulation, anonymity and cross-border digital services make early detection difficult.

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UK plans major social media ban for under-16s

The UK government plans to introduce a social media ban for children under 16 as part of a wider package of online safety measures aimed at reducing children’s exposure to harmful content and risky online interactions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the planned restrictions are intended to protect children from harmful material, excessive screen time and contact with unknown adults online. The measure is expected to apply to major social media platforms, while gaming and livestreaming services could face restrictions on features that allow children to interact with strangers.

The move follows a national consultation on children’s online safety, which examined possible age restrictions on social media and other online services, as well as limits on addictive design features and risky functionalities.

Further details are expected on implementation and enforcement, including how platforms would be required to verify users’ ages. The government has previously said that restrictions on children’s access to social media should be considered alongside broader protections for gaming platforms, AI chatbots and other online services used by young people.

The proposal would place the UK among a growing number of countries moving towards age-based restrictions on children’s access to social media. Australia has already adopted an under-16 social media ban, while other governments are considering similar approaches.

Supporters argue that age restrictions could reduce online harms and give parents clearer backing in setting boundaries for children’s technology use. Critics warn that enforcement may raise privacy concerns, increase reliance on age-verification systems and push children towards less regulated online spaces.

Why does it matter?

The proposal would move the UK closer to an age-based model of online safety regulation, where platforms may be expected to prevent under-16s from accessing certain services rather than only reduce harmful content after children join. That raises major governance questions around age assurance, privacy, platform design, parental responsibility and enforcement. The measure could also increase pressure on social media, gaming, livestreaming and AI chatbot services to redesign features that expose children to unknown adults, addictive interaction patterns or harmful content.

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Children’s online safety and screen time under growing UK scrutiny

The UK Government Office for Science has highlighted the need for evidence-led policy on children’s online lives, warning that digital technologies bring both benefits and risks while long-term evidence remains limited.

In an article published on the GOV.UK, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser noted that 97% of UK teenagers aged 13 to 15 now own a mobile phone, while almost one-fifth of children aged three to five also own one. Children aged eight to nine spend an average of two hours per day online, rising to four hours for those aged 13 to 14, excluding gaming time.

The article said children use digital platforms to maintain friendships, access communities, and find support, and that some are also using AI companions for well-being and emotional regulation. AI tools are increasingly being used for learning and schoolwork, with around half of children reporting AI use.

However, the government adviser warned that children face risks including harmful content, cyberbullying, privacy breaches, false or misleading information, unlimited scrolling, personalised algorithms and other features designed to maximise engagement.

The article said there is not enough robust long-term data to determine with confidence how digital technologies are affecting children. It also warned that the use of AI should not prevent children from developing skills such as written expression and critical thinking.

The Government Office for Science said stronger evidence and continued evaluation are needed to inform policy, including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s consultation on the impacts of growing up online, which covers social media, AI chatbots, gaming sites and other online services.

Why does it matter?

The article is relevant because it frames children’s online safety as an evidence and governance challenge, not only a moral panic over screen time. UK policymakers are weighing restrictions on social media, gaming platforms, AI chatbots and other online services, but the Government Office for Science stresses that long-term evidence remains incomplete. That makes transparency, evaluation and proportional safeguards central to future online safety policy.

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European Commission study simplifies SELFIE tool for school digital capacity monitoring

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has published a study proposing shorter versions of the Self-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the Use of Innovative Educational Technologies (SELFIE) tool to support the monitoring of schools’ digital capacity.

The study suggests that shorter instruments could help schools and policymakers use data for digital education planning when time and organisational constraints make the full SELFIE tool more difficult to implement. SELFIE is a scientifically validated tool for measuring schools’ digital capacity. According to the study, the tool had been used by more than 5.5 million users across 80 countries by September 2023.

Researchers developed two shortened versions of the SELFIE tool: a midi-SELFIE with 16 items and a mini-SELFIE with 8 items. The shorter instruments were developed using existing datasets and psychometric analyses based on Item Response Theory models.

The researchers evaluated the shortened tools across three use cases. The first examined changes in digital capacity over time in selected schools; the second examined regional differences in Portugal; and the third used a representative sample from Spain to explore links between digital capacity and teachers’ use of digital technology during lessons.

The full SELFIE tool and the two shortened versions produced broadly comparable results across the cases examined. The researchers said the midi and mini versions could therefore serve as reliable alternatives for specific uses where the full instrument is too long.

The study suggests that shorter SELFIE tools could support school-level monitoring, digital education planning, and policy monitoring. The findings may be useful for education systems seeking evidence-based approaches to improving teaching and learning while reducing the administrative burden on schools.

Why does it matter?

As governments invest in digital education, there is a growing demand for reliable tools that can measure schools’ digital readiness and inform policy decisions. However, lengthy assessment processes can create practical challenges for schools and education authorities, limiting participation and data collection.

The study suggests that shorter versions of the SELFIE tool can provide comparable insights while reducing the time required for implementation. If adopted more widely, these streamlined assessments could support evidence-based digital education policies, help monitor progress in digital transformation, and make data collection more accessible for schools.

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Canada introduces Safe Social Media Act targeting online harms and AI chatbots

Canada has introduced the Safe Social Media Act, legislation that would establish new online safety requirements for social media platforms and certain AI chatbot services. Bill C-34 aims to make regulated services more accountable for addressing online harms before they occur.

The Safe Social Media Act would create a new legislative and regulatory framework through the proposed Digital Safety Act. Regulated services would be required to identify, assess and mitigate risks on their platforms, implement safety-by-design features, make user guidelines easily accessible, provide tools such as blocking and reporting mechanisms, and publish Digital Safety Plans.

The bill would prohibit children under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts. Social media services could seek an exemption if they demonstrate that sufficient safeguards for children are in place.

The Safe Social Media Act is organised around three core duties: a Duty to Protect Children, a Duty to Act Responsibly and a Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible. Social media services would be required to assess and mitigate risks associated with seven categories of harmful content, including child sexual victimisation, content inducing a child to self-harm, cyberbullying, hatred, violence, terrorism or violent extremism, and intimate content shared without consent.

Regulated social media services would also be required to make certain content inaccessible to users in Canada, including content that sexually victimises a child or revictimises a survivor, and intimate content communicated without consent, including sexualised deepfakes. The government said these categories can cause substantial and lasting harm even when a single item is shared.

Under the proposed legislation, AI chatbot services would be subject to a tailored Duty to Act Responsibly. The proposed requirements include mitigating the risk that chatbots communicate harmful content, being transparent about reporting thresholds in crisis situations, and reducing the risk of harmful chatbot behaviour.

The legislation would establish an independent Digital Safety Commission of Canada responsible for enforcing the framework, assessing compliance, conducting audits and inspections, issuing compliance orders and imposing administrative monetary penalties. The Commission would also handle certain complaints, develop guidance and support research on online safety best practices.

Why does it matter?

The Safe Social Media Act reflects a growing international shift towards preventative online safety regulation. Rather than focusing solely on the removal of illegal content after it appears, the proposed framework would require platforms and AI services to assess risks proactively and implement measures designed to reduce harm before it occurs.

The inclusion of AI chatbot services is particularly notable, as governments worldwide are increasingly examining the safety implications of generative AI systems. If adopted, the legislation could position Canada among the first countries to apply a comprehensive online safety framework that combines platform accountability, child protection measures and AI-specific obligations under a single regulatory regime.

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ILO highlights child protection risks amid digital transformation

The International Labour Organization (ILO), together with UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), used a high-level roundtable in Türkiye to highlight the growing connection between digital transformation and child protection.

While the event focused primarily on eliminating child labour, discussions also examined the opportunities and risks associated with rapid technological change.

ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan noted that digital transformation can support economic development, productivity growth and poverty reduction. However, he warned that rapidly evolving technologies may also expose children to new forms of exploitation, including technology-enabled commercial sexual exploitation and other online harms.

Participants stressed that child protection considerations should be incorporated into the design, deployment and governance of digital technologies from the outset. The discussion reflected growing international concern that digitalisation can create new vulnerabilities alongside economic opportunities, particularly for children and young people.

The ILO roundtable also highlighted Türkiye’s broader policy agenda, including digital transformation initiatives within the National Employment Strategy 2025–2028. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of ensuring that digital innovation is accompanied by education, social protection, labour rights protections and child safeguarding measures.

Why does it matter?

The discussion reflects an increasingly important policy debate: how digital transformation can be harnessed while protecting vulnerable groups from emerging risks.

As governments, businesses and international organisations accelerate the adoption of AI, digital platforms and connected technologies, concerns about online child exploitation, digital rights and technology governance are becoming more prominent.

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