The Digital Services Act (DSA), which entered into application in February 2024, requires online platforms to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors. To assist platforms in this task, the European Commission is developing comprehensive guidelines setting out concrete measures on the protection of minors. Considering that creating a secure and engaging online environment for children and adolescents is a priority for public service media, the EBU provided feedback on the draft guidelines.

"Platforms must do more than merely prevent harm. They must create environments that empower young users," stresses Jenny Weinand, Head of Media Law at the EBU. "Public service media, alongside other regulated media, are, and have always been the torchbearers of creating secure and engaging online environments for children and adolescents through thoughtfully curated age-appropriate applications, services, and content. By promoting access to and the visibility of these offers in feeds and recommendations, online platforms could significantly enrich the digital journeys of our youth."

In its feedback to the targeted public consultation, the EBU also stresses the necessity for the Commission to account for all relevant EU laws for the protection of minors online and their national implementations, most notably the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). Furthermore, the guidelines must recognize the sector-specific principles under the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), especially concerning content moderation. Acknowledging these specialized frameworks is vital for a holistic approach to safeguarding minors online.

The EBU remains dedicated to collaborating with the European Commission, policymakers, and platform providers to put forth powerful and effective measures that ensure the safety of minors and enrich their online experience.

Read our position to the right.