Lithuanian lawmaker proposes law to bar those younger than 16 from social media

ISTANBUL

A Lithuanian lawmaker announced plans Friday to introduce a law that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media without parental consent, according to broadcaster LRT.

The legislation by conservative lawmaker Daiva Ulbinaite would require platforms to introduce reliable, technology-based age verification instead of relying on self-declared information.

Companies failing to comply could face administrative penalties.

"Clear legal regulation, oversight, and genuine platform responsibility are essential. Just as there are age or maturity restrictions for tobacco, alcohol and gambling, experts agree there must also be a defined age of digital adulthood -- when a person can understand online risks and take responsibility for their actions," Ulbinaite said at a news conference.

Australia became the first country to introduce a ban on social media for those younger than last year, while several European countries, including France, the UK, Spain, Denmark, Portugal and Italy, are considering or implementing similar measures.