Debate Over Social Media Ban Intensifies Among EU Health Ministers
EU health ministers are grappling with the potential implementation of a social media ban in response to growing health concerns, prompting discussions that reflect divergent views on the effectiveness and enforcement of such a policy. “We think it’s a shared responsibility … There’s no single bullet or silver bullet to say: This one company, solve it for everyone,” stated Vinay Goel, director of age assurance at Google, emphasizing the role of developers in mitigating risks, reports 24brussels.
The debate has stirred skepticism even among proponents of stringent measures, including teenagers who doubt the efficacy of a complete ban. WHO Health Security Director Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat remarked that “well-enforced age verification, parental tools and digital literacy programs” may yield better results than outright prohibitions.
Concerns regarding the feasibility of such a ban have been voiced by various stakeholders, including Kuźmitowicz, highlighting that circumventing restrictions is often feasible, thus questioning their overall efficacy. Health ministers are expressing reservations, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to advocate for a full ban on social media platforms at this time.
“How do you enforce that?” queried Cyprus’ Health Minister Michael Damianos, reiterating the pressing challenge of ensuring that any measures taken are practical and effective. The overarching sentiment among ministers remains focused on ensuring that policies are rooted in actionable evidence rather than theoretical frameworks.
Malta’s Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela underscored the uncertainties associated with a social media ban, stating, “is really and truly walking into the unknown. Such a policy is not backed by evidence,” yet acknowledged the pressing concern over social media’s impact on public health. “But on the other hand … we know there is a problem; should lack of evidence cripple us and freeze us, and we do nothing about it?”
Giedre Peseckyte contributed to this report.