Joint statement on the European Parliament’s report on the protection of minors

Together with 31 undersigning organisations and experts from across Europe, we are releasing this joint statement on the upcoming own-initiative (INI) report on the protection of minors. We jointly call on existing legislative and regulator gaps to be filled and push for higher standards, in accordance with key principles presented in this statement:

• Ensure a harmonised child-rights approach.
• Advance on the enforcement of existing regulation.
• Identify and fill in existing gaps in online child protection.
• Ensure holistic and appropriate approaches to age assurance and parental supervision tools.

As the EU seeks to become a global leader in protecting and empowering children online, Members of the European Parliament now have a critical role to play in addressing shortcomings and ensuring a safe and beneficial digital environment for children.   

This INI report is a crucial opportunity for the European Parliament to advance on public and democratic accountability of online platforms. With this joint statement, we hope to provide for a meaningful and constructive contribution from the children’s rights community.