The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, pledged to curb social media access to protect children earlier this week. Her comments came after an EU-appointed expert group called for restrictions for under-13s.
She warned that "the status quo, a world where we continue to allow big tech unrestricted access to our children, will only consign another generation to more mental harm, addiction and misery."
While the bloc's executive branch has not specified a minimum age, von der Leyen did note that she was convinced by the "staged approach" to internet use, a recommendation by the panel that consisted of doctors, academics, youth representatives and parents.
A draft proposal is expected from the Commission in the autumn.
But how practical is such an age restriction? And how can Brussels balance child safety and privacy?
