Czech Republic Weighs Social Media Ban for Minors Under 15... Already Over 10 European Countries on Board

[Financial News] The Czech government has announced plans to push for a ban on social media use by children and teenagers under the age of 15.
On the 8th (local time), Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said on social media, "Experts say social media is enormously harmful to children," stressing, "We must protect our children." Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček also told CNN Prima News that "the government is seriously reviewing a related bill and, once a decision is made, will submit it to parliament within this year."
After Australia blocked social media use by minors in December last year, more than 10 European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain, have either introduced or are considering similar legislation. These moves to regulate minors' use of social media across Europe have recently become a new point of political and ideological contention between Europe and the United States.
For example, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, when unveiling his country's social media regulation plan on the 3rd, said, "Social media companies are richer and more powerful than many countries, including ours," adding, "We must not allow their strength and power to intimidate us." In response, Elon Musk, owner of X, attacked Sánchez, calling him "a tyrant and a traitor to the people of Spain" and "a true fascist totalitarian."
In addition, former US President Donald Trump's administration criticized Europe's social media regulations as an infringement on freedom of expression and discrimination against US Big Tech. US media outlets noted that "for US tech companies, Europe is the second-largest market after North America" and warned that "blocking younger users could inflict major losses on social media platforms."
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chae-wan Reporter