The Deputy Minister of Justice discussed the protection of children from the harmful effects of social media with representatives from Google
Martynas Dobrovolskis, Deputy Minister of Justice, met with representatives of the technology company Google to discuss the implementation of European Union (EU) initiatives aimed at protecting children in the digital space, as well as the measures being taken by major technology companies.
The meeting focused primarily on the implementation of EU legislation on the protection of children in the digital environment, corporate responsibility, and measures to help protect children and young people from the potentially harmful effects of social media and online platforms. At the same time, the importance of ensuring the compatibility of obligations set out in various pieces of legislation governing the digital space, legal clarity and the reduction of the administrative burden was emphasised.
“The safety of children in the digital space cannot be the sole responsibility of the state or of technology companies alone. Consistent cooperation, clear commitments and effective measures are essential to ensure that the digital environment is safe for children. We must ensure that children’s interests and their protection are a priority when making decisions on the regulation of the digital space. At the same time, the compatibility of EU legislation should be ensured to guarantee the effective functioning of the single market,” said M. Dobrovolskis.
A working group of the Council of the European Union is currently discussing stricter restrictions on minors’ access to social media and video-sharing platforms. One of the approaches under consideration is to ensure that younger children cannot use social media, whilst older minors would be granted access subject to parental controls.
The meeting also discussed the role that major technology companies should play in achieving these objectives, and how the experience shared by the business sector and the technological solutions already in use could help to make evidence-based decisions and pursue common goals, namely, more effective protection of children in the digital space.
The meeting was attended by Jon Steinberg, Director of Global Policy Campaigns at Google; Julia Schvarcova, Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Central and Eastern Europe; Jagoda Zakrzewska, Head of Content Policy for Central and Eastern Europe and the EMEA region; and Arnas Navickas, Head of Public Policy for the Baltic States.
Last updated: 04-11-2026
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