Meta Faces EU Charges for Failing to Keep Children Off Platforms
Summary
European Union regulators have charged Meta for violating online safety laws by not implementing effective controls to prevent children under 13 from accessing Instagram and Facebook. A preliminary investigation found minors could easily create accounts with false birth dates.
How coverage differs
Left outlets report Meta is charged by the EU for breaching safety laws and failing to prevent child access, while center outlets state Meta was informed it is violating laws by not adequately preventing access.
- Left: EU Regulators Charge Meta for Failing Child Safety Obligations Left-leaning outlets report that Meta has been charged by EU regulators for breaching online safety laws, specifically for failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing Instagram and Facebook. They highlight the preliminary investigation's finding that minors could easily create accounts using false birth dates.
- Center: EU Finds Meta's Age Verification Fails to Protect Children Center outlets report that Meta has been informed by the EU that it is violating online safety laws by not adequately preventing children from accessing its Facebook and Instagram platforms. They detail the preliminary findings that minors can easily bypass age restrictions.