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The European Commission has released a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at enhancing the online safety of children and teenagers under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The guidance sets out proportionate, risk-based measures that platforms accessible to minors should implement to reduce exposure to harmful content and exploitative commercial practices.

These voluntary but influential guidelines represent a major step in the EU’s long-term strategy to protect children online and were shaped through consultation with stakeholders, experts, and youth groups.

Key Protections and Platform Responsibilities

The recommendations apply to all online platforms accessible to minors, except micro and small enterprises. They encourage platforms to adopt privacy-by-default and safety-by-design principles, with suggestions including:

  • Making minor accounts private by default to reduce exposure to strangers
  • Adjusting recommendation systems to avoid harmful content loops and promote user control
  • Enabling children to block users, limit group adds, and prevent content screenshots
  • Disabling features that encourage excessive use, like autoplay, read receipts, and push notifications
  • Restricting manipulative design tactics tied to engagement and loot box mechanics
  • Improving age verification methods using non-intrusive and device-based tools such as EU Digital Identity wallets
  • Strengthening moderation tools and requiring timely feedback on reports

Commission’s Stance and Enforcement Outlook

The Commission will use these guidelines to assess whether platforms comply with Article 28(1) of the Digital Services Act, especially regarding risk mitigation for minor users. Although non-binding, the guidelines provide a clear benchmark for national regulators and signal the EU’s expectations for large platforms serving younger users.

The Commission stresses that child protection should not come at the cost of other rights and encourages platforms to balance safety with freedom of expression and access.

Background and Consultation Process

The guidelines were developed following a wide-ranging consultation, including:

  • Public feedback and expert workshops in 2024 and 2025
  • Input from civil society, child protection advocates, and young users
  • Coordination with the European Digital Services Board and its subgroup on minor protection

They will now serve as a reference point for platforms and regulators ahead of upcoming DSA enforcement cycles.

Source: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/fr/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-protection-minors