EU and US to discuss online safety for children

EU Commissioner Micheal McGrath is in Washington this week for talks on EU-US cooperation on online safety for children, competitiveness and consumer and data protection.

Mr McGrath, who is European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, will meet with senior US counterparts, including the Chair of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair and the Chair of the US Federal Trade Commission.

Protection of minors online is expected to be a central focus of Commissioner McGrath's discussions in Washington.

Last week, the European Commission presented recommendations on how to better protect children and young people online.

The commission said it will present a proposal to limit children's access to social media platforms after the summer.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there needs to be "age-appropriate restrictions" for digital platforms, including social media, as she received an expert report on protecting children online.

She said: "This is not about whether children can access social media.

"It is about whether and when social media can access our children."

She added: "We need to consider a phased and gradual access for different age ranges."

The Government has expressed support for social media restrictions for children but has repeatedly said its preference would be for any ban to be implemented at EU level.

Australia introduced the world's first social media ban for under-16s in December last year.

This week's discussions in the US come as Mr McGrath prepares a dedicated Digital Fairness Act, to be presented later this year.

The legislation will aim to strengthen consumer protection online and ensure that people, including children, can browse, search and purchase with confidence.

As part of the preparation of the Digital Fairness Act, the commission is examining measures including switching off certain addictive design features by default for minors.

During his visit to the US, Mr McGrath will also discuss how cooperation on justice and the fight against organised crime can be further strengthened, while reinforcing the EU’s appeal as a stable, predictable and competitive destination for investment.