The Ministry of Digital Affairs emphasizes that Denmark will be one of the first European Union countries with such a clear age limit. The government's intention is that children under 15 should not have access to platforms that may expose them to harmful content or mechanisms of action. At this stage, it has not yet been indicated which websites the ban will cover or how it will be enforced. However, there is an exception: with parental consent, access can be granted from the age of 13.
The agreement provides for the allocation of 160 million Danish kroner, or approximately EUR 21.4 million, for fourteen initiatives to strengthen the protection of children and young people online and create a better framework for their digital lives. The package includes strengthening supervision over the EU Digital Services Act, supporting the development of alternative – safer – social media platforms, as well as intensifying the fight against illegal influencer marketing.
The authorities emphasize that Children cannot be left alone in a world where harmful content and commercial interests too easily shape their everyday lives.
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Digital Minister Caroline Stage emphasizes that the country is setting the direction for Europe by introducing a national age limit and a broad program for the digital well-being of young users. This, he argues, is a necessary response to the long-standing situation in which large technology platforms had too free access to children's rooms.
The government also recalls the consequences of long-term, uncontrolled use of social networking sites:
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of calm and concentration
- The pressures of digital relationships where adults are not always present
Specific mechanisms for enforcing the new rules remain to be developed. Important questions concern both the identification of regulated platforms and age verification methods and the role of parents in giving consent to thirteen-year-olds. The effectiveness of the law and its enforceability on the part of the websites will depend on the answers to these issues.
Not only Denmark. This is a broader trend
Danish activities are part of a broader, global trend. In December Australia is set to become the first country to introduce a complete ban on children opening social media accounts – with an even higher age limit of 16.
The local law provides for penalties of up to USD 50 million for admitting younger users. Australian. This week, Reddit and the Kick streaming platform joined the list of websites subject to the obligation to block minors' accounts, and previously the list included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube. The new regulations are to enter into force on December 10.
If Denmark maintains its announced course, European social media platforms will need to adapt processes, including age verificationcontent moderation and commercial tools. At the same time, government funds for alternative solutions and enforcement of EU standards may become an impulse to change the model of functioning of online communities – with greater emphasis on the well-being of users and less on the unlimited monetization of the attention of the youngest.
