European Union
5Rights’ work drives initiatives and legislation across the EU to enhance further the rights of children in the digital space.
Overview
The EU has set itself as global leader in setting norms and regulations in the digital space. From the General Data Protection Regulation to the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act, the EU legislative framework has the potential to reshape digital design standards and to be truly transformational for the digital lives of children.
“Children should be able to communicate easily with their peers with no fear of cyberattacks and cyber bullying, abuse, scams or fraud.”
Katarzyna, 14
Children’s experiences
On average, the 81 million of children living in the EU encounter hateful or violent content, as well as harmful advice on body image and self-harm, at least once a month. It is estimated that over 11 million children and young people aged 19 and younger in the EU suffer from a mental health condition. Children are continuously subjected to advertisements, loot boxes and persuasive design to keep them online. As children demand more privacy, safety and less intrusive services and products, 5Rights works hard to ensure that digital spaces offer age-appropriate experiences respecting of children’s rights and cognitive development.
Our work in the EU
From consulting with policy-makers on groundbreaking legislation such as the Digital Services Act to advocating and developing tools for their robust implementation and enforcement, the team collaborates with officials from EU institutions, the Council of Europe, European standardisation bodies as well as national authorities to build the digital world young people deserve. Through our cooperation with other key civil society actors, including children’s rights organisations and consumer groups, we ensure that children’s rights in the digital environment remain at the forefront of the political and regulatory agenda.
In focus
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Meta’s inadequate age assurance likely in breach of the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has found Meta’s age assurance methods on Instagram and Facebook to be inadequate and linked this failure to the company’s incomplete and arbitrary risk assessment.
Why the age debate in Europe is asking the wrong question
Across Europe, policymakers are asking what age children should be allowed online. 5Rights is asking what kind of digital environment we are prepared to offer them once they are.
Snapchat under EU investigation for inadequate protection of minors
The European Commission’s decision to open a formal investigation into Snapchat marks a significant step in the enforcement of the to create a safer, more accountable online environment EU’s Digital Services Act.
TikTok’s addictive design found to likely breach the Digital Services Act
5Rights Foundation has been advocating for swift and robust enforcement of the DSA to protect minors online since its entry into force. The preliminary finding on TikTok addictive design is a long-awaited step to enforce European rules and finally deliver for children’s safety online.