Meta Faces EU Test Over Teen Access
EU Slams Meta for Failing to Block Minors on Facebook and Instagram
The European Union has publicly criticized Meta for allowing children under 13 to join its flagship platforms, Facebook and Instagram, despite the companies’ own age‑restriction policies.
Lack of Effective Safeguards
EU officials say Meta lacks robust tools to prevent under‑age sign‑ups and does not adequately locate or delete existing accounts held by minors.Content Exposure Concerns
Beyond registration, the Commission worries that young users may encounter inappropriate content on the platforms.Meta’s Response
Meta disputes the allegations, asserting it already employs methods to detect and remove under‑age accounts. The company claims age verification is a universal challenge across the industry and promises to unveil new measures next week.
Legal Context
The criticism falls under the Digital Services Act, a regulatory framework that compels tech firms in Europe to cleanse their platforms and safeguard users.Potential Penalties
Meta can still respond before the EU finalizes its findings, but fines could reach up to 6 % of worldwide revenue.Commission’s Stance
An EU executive highlighted that Instagram and Facebook do little to block access by minors, even though their terms explicitly prohibit users under 13. The Commission insists that platform rules must translate into concrete action, not just paperwork.
