Teens encounter varied levels of protection on social media platforms worldwide, with stricter measures often found outside the United States, encompassing content visibility and data privacy.
In the US, legislative responses regarding these concerns tend to lag, while the European Union spearheads transformative changes in online experiences for children, prompting global attention.
Despite growing concerns among US lawmakers and parents regarding social media risks for youth, minimal progress has been made domestically to enhance online safety for adolescents.
The European Union leads the regulatory front, exemplified by the Digital Services Act, compelling major tech firms to conform to stringent regulations. Notably, personalized advertising targeting minors is prohibited under this law, with larger companies mandated to implement enhanced safeguards.
These include reminders for teens to take breaks and disabling autoplay features.
However, compliance details from major tech firms remain undisclosed, raising questions about the efficacy of these measures, particularly in curbing harmful algorithmic recommendations impacting minors’ mental well-being.
Unlike the US, where Section 230 shields social media platforms from liability, the EU’s Digital Services Act allows lawsuits against non-compliant companies, potentially resulting in substantial fines of up to 6% of global revenue.
Beyond Europe, other nations have also taken steps to safeguard young internet users. China introduced Cybersecurity and Minor Protection Laws, imposing content restrictions and usage time limits. However, strict internet censorship limits access to social media platforms.
India’s Personal Data Protection Bill mandates parental consent for data collection from minors and prohibits targeted advertising. Similarly, Brazil’s data protection legislation includes provisions safeguarding children’s data privacy.
These global regulatory disparities highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure teens’ online safety worldwide.
