How the PSD proposes to condition access of minors under 13 and 16 years of age to social networks

Portugal's PSD party is proposing new legislation aimed at restricting underage access to social media platforms. The proposed bill seeks to implement an age verification mechanism for creating new accounts, reflecting a growing European concern over the impact of digital platforms on younger users and a broader push for enhanced online safety. The core of the proposal involves mandatory age checks, requiring social media companies to verify that users are at least 13 or 16 years old, depending on the specific platform's services and content. This measure aims to prevent minors from being exposed to age-inappropriate content and to mitigate potential harms associated with excessive social media use. The legislation is expected to be formally submitted to the Assembly of the Republic shortly. This initiative will directly affect social media giants and how they manage user onboarding, potentially leading to significant changes in their operational policies within Portugal. The broader implication is a continued trend in Europe toward greater regulatory oversight of digital services, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable populations in the online space.