Commission publishes guidelines for the protection of minors online under the Digital Services Act
Today, the Commission launched a public consultation on draft guidelines for protecting minors online under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This initiative aims to create a safer online space for children by ensuring high privacy and security standards on platforms accessible to minors.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, stated: “Childrens safety online is our top priority. The draft guidelines under the Digital Services Act will help shape a safer online environment for younger users, enhancing their security, privacy, and well-being.”
The draft guidelines include a wide range of measures such as age verification, improving content recommendations to reduce exposure to harmful material, setting childrens accounts to private by default, and providing child-friendly reporting channels and user support.
Stakeholders, including Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) youth ambassadors, have been extensively consulted. The guidelines apply to all online platforms accessible to minors, except micro and small enterprises.
The draft guidelines are open for public feedback until 10 June 2025. Contributions from all stakeholders, including children, parents, and experts, are welcome.
The Commission aims to adopt these guidelines before summer 2025, marking a significant step in the EUs efforts to create a safer digital environment for children.
Find more details in the draft guidelines.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 29 91099; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 29 80485)
EU launches a European vulnerability database to enhance digital security
Today, the European Commission announced the launch of the European Vulnerability Database (EUVD) by the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). The EUVD aims to strengthen Europes digital security by helping entities meet supply chain and vulnerability management requirements under the NIS2 Directive. It will also support the Cyber Resilience Act to protect digital products from cyber threats.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “The EU Vulnerability Database is a significant step in reinforcing Europes security and resilience. By consolidating vulnerability information relevant to the EU market, we are raising cybersecurity standards and enabling stakeholders to protect digital spaces efficiently.”
The EUVD collects information from trusted sources, enhancing situational awareness and safeguarding digital infrastructure. It provides essential tools for stakeholders across public and private sectors to navigate the digital landscape safely.
More information on the EUVD is available online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 29 91099; Nika Blazevic — Tel.: +32 2 299 27 17)