International position on access restrictions: From Age Gate to Age-Appropriate Design

Blanket age restrictions alone cannot address the underlying design choices and business models that create and amplify harm. While access restrictions have a role to play as a component of age-appropriate design, they are not a substitute for it.

We call for a systemic, technology-neutral approach that puts responsibility on tech companies to demonstrate that their products and services are safe, rights-respecting and age-appropriate before they reach children. This statement sets out a framework centred on safety by design and default, independent pre-market certification, robust oversight and proportionate age assurance.