Experts from 30 countries warn about risks of centralized user data from social media bans for minors
More than 400 experts from 30 countries signed an open letter explaining that banning minors from social media will lead to the creation of massive centralized databases containing users’ personal information. These data storages will become prime targets for hackers.
The letter mentions that in 2025, databases of a third-party company providing age verification services in the UK and Australia were hacked. Data of 70,000 people leaked into the dark web.
In February, a Member of the European Parliament from the Alternative for Germany party revealed that EU authorities are building a mass surveillance system under the guise of protecting children. The ban on minors accessing social networks is already enforced in Australia, the UK, France, and several other European countries.
These measures aim to protect children online but raise concerns about privacy and cybersecurity risks. The emergence of large personal data repositories could fuel cybercrime growth.
Therefore, experts call for balancing child protection with safeguarding users’ personal data to avoid creating new digital threats.
Overall, this situation highlights the need for cautious regulation of the internet space for youth and the development of effective protections that do not compromise user privacy.
