Youth Safety 3 February 2026

Slovenia plans to ban under-15s from social media as Europe tightens rules on TikTok

Slovenia plans to ban under-15s from social media as Europe tightens rules on TikTok

Slovenia is preparing draft legislation that would ban children under 15 from using social media, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arcon said on Thursday. He named platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. The step lands as European governments shift from warnings to rules, with officials arguing some platforms are built to keep teenagers hooked. Spain has proposed a ban for under-16s, while Greece is close to announcing a similar restriction for under-15s, according to Reuters reporting this week.
February 5, 2026
Spain targets TikTok, X and Instagram with under-16 ban plan and exec liability push in Spain

Spain targets TikTok, X and Instagram with under-16 ban plan and exec liability push in Spain

Spain plans to introduce a bill next week aiming to hold social media executives responsible for illegal and hate speech content, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Tuesday. The government also intends to ban social media use for anyone under 16. https://www.reuters.com/world/spain-hold-social-media-executives-accountable-illegal-hateful-content-2026-02-03/?utm_source=chatgpt.com This development ramps up pressure on tech companies already under tighter scrutiny in Europe, where authorities accuse apps of designing addictive features and exposing kids to dangerous content. It comes amid the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which demands platforms crack down on illegal content, clashing with free-speech issues. The controversy reignited this month following reports that Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot produced nonconsensual sexual images, some involving minors.
February 3, 2026