New System in Belgium to Verify Social Media Users’ Ages
The announcement was made during a plenary session in the House of Representatives, where the minister stated that the new system is expected to be completed by next summer, with a draft law on the matter to be submitted to parliament before the end of the year.
The minister explained that the approach adopted in the new system relies on a trusted and certified third party responsible for verifying that users meet the required legal age.
She emphasized that this mechanism aims to balance the protection of minors with the privacy of users, as sensitive personal data will not be transferred directly to social media platforms, mitigating concerns related to data protection.
This move comes amid increasing international pressure on major tech companies, particularly with growing concerns over the impact of social media use on the mental health of teenagers.
In this context, the minister referred to a ruling in California, USA, where a jury held Instagram and YouTube responsible for exacerbating the depression of an American teenager, a judgment that could pave the way for similar lawsuits accusing platforms of contributing to what has been described as a digital addiction epidemic.
At the European level, the minister cited a court decision in the Netherlands that forced Meta to provide a chronological browsing option for Facebook and Instagram users, bypassing algorithmic feeds.
The minister also expressed regret that national courts had to intervene to enforce European rules and confirmed that she had contacted the European Commission to ensure Meta’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) across all EU member states.
Quick reader summary
Belgian Digital Minister Vanessa Matz announced that the government is developing an advanced system to verify the ages of social media users, aiming to enhance the protection of minors and regulate the use of digital platforms. This update matters to residents in Germany and readers following social, transport or public-service decisions because it may affect planning, travel, public-service use or the next practical step a reader should take.
Why this update matters
The value of this story is not only the headline. Readers need to know who may be affected, whether the measure is final or still developing, and where to check the official version before acting on it.
What to do now
- Check the federal or state-level source because implementation may vary by region.
- Confirm eligibility and dates before applying for support or changing a financial decision.
- Follow official clarifications if the story concerns a proposal or political discussion rather than a final rule.
Official sources to check
- German Federal Government
- The relevant ministry, state authority or local office
Frequently asked questions
Does this mean the measure is already in force?
Not always. Some stories report a measure already being applied, while others describe a proposal, transition period or expected change. Always check the implementation date in the official source.
Can I rely on this article alone for a legal, travel or financial decision?
No. This article is intended to explain the news context and practical implications, but it does not replace official guidance or qualified professional advice when the issue affects your legal status, booking or finances.
Editorial note: This update was editorially reviewed on July 11, 2026, with practical verification points added to help readers check the official source before taking action.
This post is also available in:
العربية
