EU questions Apple, Google, Snapchat, YouTube over risks to children

Core Viewpoint - The European Union is demanding major tech companies, including Apple, Google, Snapchat, and YouTube, to explain their measures for protecting children online, emphasizing the need for enhanced privacy, security, and safety [2][4]. Group 1: EU Actions and Regulations - The European Commission has initiated requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to assess the practices of Apple, Google, Snapchat, and YouTube regarding the protection of minors online [2][3]. - The EU is also investigating Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, due to concerns about their platforms' addictive nature for children [4]. - Denmark, holding the rotating EU presidency, is advocating for collective action to safeguard minors, including a proposed ban on social media for children under 15 [5]. Group 2: Future Considerations - EU ministers are set to discuss age verification on social media and potential measures to enhance online safety for minors [6]. - A joint statement is expected to support EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's initiative to explore a potential EU-wide digital majority age, with plans to establish a panel of experts for further assessment [8].