The European Commission recently requested information from Meta and Snap regarding the safety measures they have in place for minors on their platforms. This formal request is in line with the requirements of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission has earlier issued similar requests to companies such as TikTok and YouTube, underscoring the growing importance of child protection in the DSA’s oversight.
In April, the Commission identified 19 entities as Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines. Among these, Meta’s social networks and Snap’s Snapchat were included. Ensuring the safety of minors has become a key priority for the EU’s oversight of the DSA.
The European Commission issued a formal statement, requesting both Meta and Snap to provide more information on the measures they have taken to protect minors under the DSA. They are required to provide the requested information by December 1, and the Commission will then evaluate the responses and consider potential next steps, including the initiation of proceedings under the DSA.
If the companies provide incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in response to the request, the Commission holds the authority to impose fines. Failure to respond could result in the imposition of periodic penalty payments.
As Very Large Online Platforms, Meta’s platforms and Snapchat must adhere to the comprehensive provisions introduced by the DSA. This includes assessing and mitigating risks related to the dissemination of harmful content and protecting minors. The companies are also required to conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures aimed at ensuring the well-being of minors online.
It’s clear that child protection is a growing concern for the European Union and that companies like Meta and Snap are under close scrutiny. The EU is increasing its oversight in this area, and companies need to comply with the DSA or face potential penalties. This underscores the importance of creating a safe environment for minors on online platforms.