Snapchat, YouTube, Apple, and Google Play are all being reconsidered by Europe on child safety online. The European Commission has requested that each of these sites provide information on how they prevent children’s access to illegal or harmful content and how they verify age.
What the EU asked
The Commission asked Snapchat how it keeps children under 13 off the service. It asked YouTube to explain its systems that suggest videos and how those systems protect young users. It asked Apple and Google to explain how their app stores prevent minors from downloading illegal or harmful apps. The stores were also asked how they apply age ratings and how they handle tools that can change images to sexual content.
Why the move matters
The request comes under new internet safety rules that aim to protect minors. The Commission wants to check if platforms are doing enough. The official message from the Commission said it will act to protect the health and safety of children online. National authorities will help to identify platforms that pose the greatest risk.
What the Commission will look at
The review will examine age verification systems and their working practice. The review shall examine the ways in which platforms prevent the sale of illegal commodities to underage persons. There will also be a review of the recommender systems and how they present the content to the youthful users. The app stores have to clarify how they filter the apps to get illegal or harmful ones and how they implement age restrictions.
How platforms may respond
Platforms will have to provide documents and technical details to the Commission. They may have to change policies or improve tools if the EU finds gaps. The Commission may require fixes or stronger safeguards. The action is a formal step and not an immediate fine. It is a request for information that may lead to further steps.