New EU law: Children need permission to use Facebook

If approved, children aged 13-16 years will need parental consent to use social media

The European Commission has proposed a new law that requires children in EU countries get a written consent from their parents or legal guardians before they can use social media, reports TV2.

As things stand, children in the EU must be at least 13 years old before they can use Facebook, Twitter and the like.

Easy to bypass
The new law suggests the age limit should be increased up to 16 years.

If approved, the EU member states will have two years to implement the law.

Each state can set the age limit individually, but it must be within the range of 13-16 years.

Critics point out complying with age limits is difficult already today, as children can easily enter a false date of birth when creating social media profiles.

Personal data protection
The proposal is part of a major reform on data protection that will affect also companies, which abuse or neglect to protect people’s online data such as social security numbers, bank details and other personal information.

Companies can be fined up to 4 percent of their total global revenue if they break the new law.

They must also inform authorities within 72 hours if they discover data breaches.

The law would apply to all companies that have customers in EU countries.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.