The EU investigates Apple, Google, YouTube and Snapchat for lack of child protection

The European Commission has launched a preliminary investigation against Apple, Google, YouTube y Snapchat for alleged violations of child protection rules. Community authorities suspect that technological platforms are not taking sufficient measures to guarantee the safety of minors against risks such as digital addiction, drugs or online gambling.

The research is framed in the Digital Services Law (DSA), the regulatory framework that regulates the responsibility of large technology platforms in the EU. Según Explico Henna Virkkunenvice president of the European Commission responsible for Digital Affairss, companies must provide detailed information about their security and age control policies.

A Google spokesperson stated on this matter: “For years, we have worked with child development experts to create age-appropriate experiences on Google, including YouTube, with robust controls for parents and industry-leading safety and security for younger users. We continue to expand these efforts, including additional safeguards for teen content recommendations on YouTube. “We will continue to collaborate with the Commission in this very relevant area.”

YouTube and the risk of childhood addiction

In the case of YouTubeowned by the Google group, the Commission suspects that the age restrictions are easily circumvented and that the algorithms could encourage addictive behaviors among the children. The president of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyenhad already recently accused several developers of use for-profit algorithms that create dependency in younger users.

Von der Leyen also announced the creation of a panel of experts before the end of the year advise on new child protection measures in the digital environment.

Suspicions also extend to Apple y Googleowners of the App Store and Google Play application stores, respectively. Brussels wants to clarify whether minors can access or download casino and online gambling applications, despite existing restrictions.

In the case of Snapchatthe concern is even greater. European authorities are investigating whether minors can acquire drugs through the social network and if the platform does not meet its own minimum age standardswhich prevent access to minors under 13 years of age.

The EU increases pressure on technologies

For now, the commission only has requested information y has not initiated a formal procedure. Companies now have the opportunity to clarify your practices or make changes to comply with regulations. If suspicions are confirmed, they could face sanctions for violating child protection rules.

The measure is part of the tightening of the European digital regulation strategywhat are you looking for reinforce online safety for minors. Brussels works in a European digital age verification systemcurrently in testing phase, for prevent children from accessing inappropriate content such as pornography or gambling.