The European Commission has taken new steps towards greater protection of minors on the internet by opening an investigation into Snapchat and filing formal charges against Pornhub and other pornographic websites for allegedly violating European digital regulations. These procedures could lead to economic sanctions if the companies do not correct their practices. Additionally, Brussels proposed that platforms integrate an age verification application developed by the Executive, and asked Member States to cooperate to create digital identity wallets, which could be available before 2026. Minors' access to pornographic websites The Commission concluded that platforms like Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos allow minors access to pornographic content through a simple user statement claiming they are over 18 years old. This practice shows deficiencies in parental controls and could violate the EU's Digital Services Act, designed to reinforce online safety. The investigation, initiated in May 2025, determined that these companies may have given greater weight to business issues, such as reputational impact, rather than prioritizing the risks to minors. In France, it is estimated that nearly two million minors access Pornhub monthly, representing more than a third of users, according to data from the regulatory authority Arcom. Investigation into Snapchat In the case of Snapchat, the European Commission is analyzing complaints that point to minors being exposed to sexual grooming, criminal activities, and access to illegal products such as drugs, alcohol, or electronic cigarettes. The measure is part of the tightening of technology regulation in Europe, which aims to strengthen child protection on social networks and demand greater accountability from digital platforms.
