Protecting Minors Online: A Shared Responsibility
Brussels, 6 February 2025 – As digital technologies continue to evolve, ensuring the online safety of minors has become an urgent priority. A comprehensive framework involving policymakers, regulators, and society as a whole is essential to foster a culture of digital responsibility. This involves updating legal instruments, enhancing cooperation, and public awareness about the risks associated with online gambling especially for minors.
An event this week in the European Parliament, organised by The European Lotteries (EL), brought together EU decision-makers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to address how digital platforms impact young users and what measures are needed to create a safer and fairer online environment. Discussions emphasised the need for robust regulation and enforcement - with respect of the subsidiarity principle - to prevent manipulative digital strategies that target minors. [1]
”While digital technologies bring benefits, they also contribute to significant risks minors face, such as youth mental health challenges, exposure to harmful content, addictive design features, and exploitative online practices. The upcoming Parliament’s own initiative report on the protection of minors online stresses the importance in shaping future EU policies to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in the digital sphere. ”
EL and its members advocate for the implementation of robust age verification systems, responsible advertising practices, and education campaigns to safeguard minors from potential harms associated with online gambling. By prioritising these measures, the online environment can remain a safe space for all, particularly the younger generation. [2]
”As Vice-Chair of the Culture and Education Committee, I assure you that this topic is important to us. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of young people and believe strict age verification and responsible marketing are key tools to effectively protect minors. I believe our discussions this week give us valuable recommendations for the future. ”
At European level, stronger enforcement of existing regulations, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) is necessary to hold platforms accountable. Additionally, the upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA) should address challenges including dark patterns and addictive features that disproportionately affect minors. [3]
Fostering collaboration between all stakeholders and implementing robust safeguards will ensure that the online world is a safe and supportive space for all.
[ENDS]
Notes
[1] The event ‘’Digital Responsibility: Safeguarding Minors Online’’ on 5 February 2025 was hosted by MEP Fulvio Martusciello (EPP, Italy). Welcoming words by MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, Poland) and Romana Girandon, EL President, were followed by a Keynote presentation (Joeri Van den Bergh) and a panel discussion with MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP, Croatia), Isabelle Pérignon (European Commission), Dr. Eszter Salamon (Parents International), Olli Sarekoski (CEO, Veikkaus, Finland & EL 2nd Vice President), and Wojciech Talko (Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU).
The event was moderated by Philippe Vlaemminck, Partner, Vlaemminck.law.
[2] The gambling sector is regulated in strict observance of the subsidiarity principle. As established by the Court of Justice of the EU, gambling services are economic activities of a peculiar nature entailing specific risks. For overriding reasons of general interest – most notably protection of players and preservation of public order – there are justified restrictions to the internal market rules and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the EU Treaties that apply to the sector.
[3] The EL Manifesto has identified eight focus points to actively contribute to all relevant debates at EU level. An EL position paper is available for each focus point. More info here.
Contact: lucy.mathieson@european-lotteries.eu
EL Manifesto
To shape a secure and thriving future for the lottery sector in the EU, EL has identified eight focus points in its manifesto to actively contribute to all relevant debates at European level.
EL Position Papers
These position papers are associated to the eight focus points as outlined in the EL Manifesto
EL Opinion Pieces
The January 2025 edition of The Parliament Magazine features two opinion pieces by EL
