EU Inquires Apple, Google, and YouTube on ‘Minor Protection Measures’ to Address Online Safety Concerns

October 11, 2025

Brussels – The European Commission is intensifying its oversight of major technology platforms, demanding detailed data about their strategies for safeguarding children online. This action signals a growing commitment to enforcing the Digital services Act (DSA) and holding tech companies accountable for the content accessible on their services.

EU Demands Clarity from Tech Leaders

Henna Birkkunen,the European Union’s Senior Vice-President for Technology Sovereignty,Security and Democracy,revealed during a visit to Denmark that the commission has formally requested data from Apple,Google,YouTube,and Snapchat. The inquiry centers on the measures each company has implemented to adhere to the stipulations of the DSA concerning the protection of young users.

While Birkkunen refrained from elaborating on specific concerns, the move underscores the EU’s determination to ensure thes ‘Very Large Online Platforms’ (VLOPs) are taking proactive steps to mitigate risks to minors. The DSA places particularly stringent obligations on VLOPs due to their expansive reach and potential influence.

What is the Digital Services Act?

The Digital Services Act, which came into full effect in February 2024, represents a landmark effort to regulate the digital space within the European Union. Its core objectives include curbing the proliferation of illegal content, countering disinformation, and bolstering user safety-with a specific focus on the protection of vulnerable groups, including children. The DSA aims to create a safer online habitat by establishing clear responsibilities for digital service providers.

According to the European Commission, non-compliance with the DSA can result in ample financial penalties, perhaps reaching up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue. This significant financial risk is intended to incentivize robust compliance and a genuine commitment to user safety.

Platform	VLOP Designation	Areas of Scrutiny
Apple (App Store)	Yes	App content, age verification
Google (Play Store)	Yes	App content, age verification
YouTube	Yes	Video content, algorithmic recommendations
Snapchat	Yes	content moderation, user privacy

Did You Know? The DSA builds upon previous EU legislation, such as the General Data Protection regulation (GDPR), to create a comprehensive framework for digital governance.

This latest move by the European Commission reflects a global trend towards greater regulation of the tech industry. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenges of balancing innovation with the need to protect citizens, particularly children, from the potential harms of online platforms.

Pro Tip: Parents can utilize parental control features offered by operating systems and individual apps to limit their children’s access to inappropriate content and monitor their online activity.

What measures do you think are most effective in protecting children online? And how can tech companies balance user safety with freedom of expression?

The Evolving Landscape of Online Child Safety

The conversation around online child safety is constantly evolving. New threats emerge regularly,from cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content to online predators and data privacy concerns. As technology advances, so too must the strategies employed to protect young users.Continued collaboration between governments, tech companies, and parents is crucial to creating a safer digital environment for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions about the DSA and Online Child Safety

• What is the Digital Services Act? The DSA is a European Union law designed to regulate online platforms and protect user safety, especially that of minors.
• Which companies are considered ‘Very Large online Platforms’? Apple, Google, YouTube, and Snapchat are designated VLOPs under the DSA, requiring them to adhere to stricter regulations.
• What are the potential consequences of violating the DSA? Companies found in violation of the DSA may face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue.
• How does the DSA protect children online? The DSA mandates that VLOPs implement measures to mitigate risks to minors, such as controlling access to harmful content and protecting their personal data.
• what can parents do to keep their children safe online? parents can utilize parental control features, monitor their children’s online activity, and educate them about responsible online behavior.
• Is this examination limited to these four platforms? While the Commission has specifically requested information from these four companies, the scope of the investigation could expand to include other platforms if necessary.
• What is the EU’s overall goal with these regulations? The EU aims to create a safer and more clear digital environment for all its citizens, prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups like children.

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What specific measures are Apple, Google, and YouTube currently taking to verify the age of users and enforce age restrictions, according to the information they will provide to the EU Commission?

The Scope of the EU Examination

The European Union has launched formal inquiries into Apple, Google, and YouTube, focusing on the effectiveness of their online safety measures designed to protect minors. This move, announced in October 2025, signals a heightened level of scrutiny regarding child online safety and the responsibilities of major tech platforms. The inquiries center around compliance with the digital Services Act (DSA), landmark legislation aimed at creating a safer digital space for all users, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups like children.

The EU Commission is specifically requesting detailed information regarding the platforms’ systems for:

* Age verification: How do they determine the age of users and enforce age restrictions?

* Content moderation: What measures are in place to detect and remove harmful content targeting minors, including cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to inappropriate material?

* Targeted advertising: How do they prevent minors from being targeted with manipulative or exploitative advertising?

* Data protection: What safeguards are in place to protect the personal data of children?

Understanding the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its Implications

The DSA, which came into full effect in February 2024, places significant obligations on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) – a category that includes Apple’s App store, Google Search and YouTube. These platforms are now legally required to:

1. Assess and mitigate systemic risks: This includes risks related to the spread of illegal content, negative effects on essential rights, and intentional manipulation of their services.
2. Be clear about their algorithms: Users need to understand how content is recommended to them.
3. Provide effective complaint mechanisms: Users must have a clear and accessible way to report illegal content and harmful behavior.
4. Cooperate with authorities: Platforms must assist law enforcement and regulatory bodies in their investigations.

Failure to comply with the DSA can result in ample fines – up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue. The EU’s inquiries into Apple, Google, and YouTube are a direct result of these new regulations and a proactive effort to ensure compliance. Online child protection is a key priority.

Specific Concerns Raised by the EU Commission

The EU’s concerns aren’t new. Advocacy groups have long argued that existing parental control features and platform policies are insufficient to protect children online. Specific areas of concern include:

* Circumvention of age restrictions: Children are often able to bypass age verification systems using false information or by exploiting loopholes.

* Exposure to harmful content: Despite content moderation efforts, harmful content, including hate speech, violent extremism, and sexually suggestive material, still reaches young audiences.

* Algorithmic amplification: Algorithms can inadvertently recommend harmful content to children based on their browsing history or interests.

* Data harvesting: Concerns exist about the extent to which platforms collect and use children’s personal data for targeted advertising and other purposes.

* Lack of effective reporting mechanisms: Reporting harmful content can be cumbersome and time-consuming, and platforms may be slow to respond.

Real-World Examples & case Studies

Several high-profile cases have highlighted the dangers children face online, fueling the EU’s push for stronger regulations.

* the Molly Russell Case (UK): The tragic death of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life after viewing harmful content on social media, sparked a national debate about social media’s impact on mental health and the need for greater platform accountability.

* Online Grooming Cases: Numerous cases of online grooming, where predators use social media and online gaming platforms to target and exploit children, have underscored the urgent need for improved child safety online.

* Data Privacy Breaches: Incidents involving the unauthorized collection and use of children’s personal data have raised concerns about data privacy and the potential for exploitation.

These cases demonstrate the real-world consequences of inadequate online safety measures and the importance of proactive regulation.

What This Means for Apple, google, and YouTube

The EU’s inquiries are likely to prompt Apple, Google, and YouTube to review and strengthen their online safety protocols. This could involve:

* Investing in more refined age verification technologies.

* Improving content moderation systems, including the use of AI and machine learning.

* Enhancing parental control features.

* Increasing clarity about algorithms.

* Strengthening data privacy protections for children.

* Improving reporting mechanisms and response times.

The platforms will be required to submit detailed responses to the EU commission’s inquiries within a specified timeframe. The Commission will then assess the responses and determine weather further action is necessary.

Benefits of Enhanced Online Safety Measures

Stronger online safety measures offer numerous benefits, including:

* Protecting children from harm: Reducing exposure to harmful content and predatory behavior.

* Promoting positive online experiences: Creating