A fresh clash is brewing between major American tech giants and governments across the world. Countries are moving to restrict or even ban social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for teenagers, calling them addictive and potentially harmful. But the companies behind these platforms are pushing back, especially in Europe. Governments call apps “addictive” Several lawmakers argue that features like infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven feeds are designed to keep young users hooked. Petitioners have even described platforms like Instagram and YouTube as “digital casinos,” claiming they manipulate teenage behaviour for engagement. As a result, proposals to restrict teen access to social media have reached the European Parliament. With 720 members, the Parliament has seen growing debate over how far regulations should go. Billions spent on lobbying in the EU To counter these restrictions, big tech companies have significantly increased their lobbying efforts in Brussels. According to reports by Corporate European Observatory and LobbyControl, spending aimed at influencing EU decisions rose by more than 55% between 2021 and 2025. Last year alone, companies reportedly spent around ₹16.15 billion lobbying EU policymakers. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was the biggest spender, followed by Google. Around 890 full-time lobbyists are currently active in Brussels, a number that exceeds the total number of members of the European Parliament. Ads, hoardings, and political outreach The campaign is not limited to private meetings. Large hoardings have appeared at railway stations in Brussels, urging the EU to reconsider strict social media regulations. The Computer Communications Industry Association, a Washington-based trade group, has backed these efforts.
Some advertisements feature historic European figures like Johannes Gutenberg and Guglielmo Marconi, symbolically linking tech innovation with freedom of communication. Meta also published full-page ads in European newspapers last November and reportedly held 38 meetings with Members of Parliament between July 2024 and December 2025. Also read: India AI Impact Summit 2026 phishing scam, organisers warn attendees about fake refund messages
Big tech’s alternative Rather than outright bans, tech companies are proposing alternatives. Meta has introduced “teen accounts,” launched in 2024, which give parents control over accounts of users under 16. Some firms have also suggested mandatory parental consent for users under 15 or 16. Companies argue that a sweeping EU law could impact their global operations, which is why they are focusing heavily on influencing European policymakers. Digital Fairness Act under discussion The European Commission has agreed to take up the matter. A vote on the proposed Digital Fairness Act could take place in Brussels later this year. Beyond social media bans, tech companies are also closely watching Europe’s AI regulations and data privacy laws, which could further tighten oversight of digital platforms. Also read: Top 5 robots stole the show at India AI Summit, from robo-dogs to factory-floor humanoids; here’s a list
A global trend The debate is not limited to Europe. Australia imposed a ban on social media access for teenagers in December last year. Countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Britain, and Denmark have indicated that similar policies may follow.
In the United States, eight states have already introduced bills aimed at limiting teenage access to social media platforms. As governments push for stricter safeguards and companies defend their platforms, the global fight over teen access to social media is only intensifying.
