Brussels/New Delhi: Major technology companies have significantly ramped up lobbying efforts across Europe as governments move toward imposing stricter limits on social media use by teenagers. Companies such as Meta and Google are actively engaging policymakers in an attempt to soften or block proposed regulations.
According to recent estimates, the tech industry has spent nearly ₹1,618 crore (approximately €151 million) on lobbying, advertising campaigns, and policy outreach within the European Union. Brussels, the administrative capital of the European Union, has become the focal point of this intensified advocacy.
Hundreds of industry lobbyists are reportedly working to influence legislative proposals aimed at restricting social media access for minors. Technology firms argue that a complete ban is neither practical nor sustainable. Instead, they advocate for stronger parental controls, improved age-verification mechanisms, and enhanced safety tools within platforms.
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Several Countries Preparing Tougher Rules
A growing number of European countries are considering banning or heavily restricting social media access for users under 15 or 16 years of age. Governments cite concerns that platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok contribute to addictive behaviors and may negatively affect adolescents’ mental health.
In December, Norway implemented a social media ban for users under 16. Following that move, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, and Denmark have accelerated discussions around similar legislative frameworks. In the United States, several states have also introduced bills aimed at strengthening online safety protections for minors.
Policy experts suggest that these initiatives go beyond age restrictions. Lawmakers are increasingly scrutinizing platform design features that may encourage prolonged screen time among teenagers.
Hundreds of Crores Spent on Lobbying
Reports indicate that Meta alone spent around ₹107 crore (approximately €10 million) on lobbying activities in Europe. Meanwhile, Alphabet Inc. — the parent company of Google — allocated nearly ₹48 crore (around €4.5 million) toward similar efforts, including matters related to YouTube.
These expenditures include direct engagement with policymakers, publication of research reports, public relations campaigns, and representation through industry associations. Technology firms maintain that they are already investing heavily in age-appropriate user experiences, privacy controls, and content moderation systems.
They caution that sweeping restrictions could hinder innovation, impact freedom of expression, and potentially drive teenagers toward unregulated or less secure platforms.
Concerns Over the Digital Fairness Act
The industry’s biggest concern centers around the European Union’s proposed Digital Fairness Act. The draft legislation could impose strict limitations on features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and algorithm-driven content recommendations.
If enacted, the law may require significant changes to platform interfaces, data usage practices, and advertising-driven revenue models. Analysts say such reforms could fundamentally alter the structure of the digital economy in Europe.
Companies that rely heavily on user engagement for advertising income may face reduced interaction levels if certain design elements are restricted.
A Broader Global Debate
The debate has expanded beyond teenage usage limits to encompass broader questions about digital safety, mental health, data privacy, and corporate accountability. Governments emphasize the need to protect children in an increasingly digital environment, while technology companies advocate for balanced regulation that preserves business viability and user freedoms.
In the coming months, Europe is expected to take critical steps on the proposed reforms. Any major regulatory shift in the region could have global implications, potentially influencing lawmakers in other markets to adopt similar measures.
