Danish Prime Minister Advocates for Stricter Social Media Regulations for Children
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for enhanced legislation aimed at protecting children on social media platforms during a parliamentary address. Frederiksen urged lawmakers to “tighten the law so that we take better care of our children here in Denmark,” reports 24brussels.
Despite her appeal, Frederiksen did not elaborate on the specific measures being considered, and there is currently no proposed legislation outlining an age limit within the government’s program for the upcoming parliamentary year. This lack of detail raises questions regarding the feasibility and implementation of such regulations.
A notable citizen initiative in 2024 garnered significant attention, collecting 50,000 signatures in support of a ban on TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram for users under 15 years old. This campaign reflects growing concerns among parents and guardians about children’s safety and exposure to risks on social media.
In her address, Frederiksen emphasized that parents should retain the authority to permit their children to create accounts from the age of 13. This position aligns with her previous statements advocating for a ban on social media for younger users, thereby indicating a consistent stance on the matter.
The Danish government is actively lobbying the European Union to establish requirements that force technology companies to verify the age of their users, a move aimed at enhancing online safety for minors across the continent. The push for stringent regulations holds implications not only for Denmark but also for broader EU policies regarding tech firms and user protections.
As digital landscapes evolve, discussions surrounding child safety in the online environment continue to gain prominence. The Danish government’s focus on implementing protective measures reflects a growing recognition of the potential dangers associated with unregulated access to social media platforms for young users.
