EU’s Proposition of Online Content Guardians for Schoolgrounds

Exclusive: EU Commissioner Thierry Breton Emphasizes Challenges in Tech Giants’ Content Monitoring Enforcement

The European Union (EU) aims to deploy “schoolyard guardians” to raise awareness of pioneering regulations combating online harms, encompassing issues like child sexual exploitation, eating disorders, and content related to suicide. Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner leading these newly implemented laws, is developing strategies to educate children, parents, and educators on reporting not just harmful but illegal content.

Breton, speaking exclusively to The Guardian, aspires to have individuals within educational institutions educating students and the community about these regulations. His vision is for every student and parent to comprehend that “what is illegal in the schoolyard is also illegal on social networks.”

Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), major platforms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok are mandated to elevate content policing and remove algorithms delivering inappropriate content to minors. These platforms have introduced reporting options guiding users on “reporting illegal EU content.” They must respond within 24 hours to reports of suspected legal violations, with unresolved cases directed to a designated “trusted flagger.” This process must be treated as a “matter of priority.” In case of legal disputes, complainants can assert their new legal rights under the DSA in court.

Despite challenges, the EU seeks to raise awareness to safeguard children online, especially outside parental or teacher supervision.

Breton emphasizes the necessity of educating the entire educational system, facing opposition during legislation from tech companies seeking to thwart these proposals.

The EU’s grassroots campaign aims to recruit “schoolyard guardians,” an initiative expected to engage millions of children who use social media.

Breton, an influential EU commissioner, believes fines up to 6% of global revenue or EU bans will motivate tech companies to comply. However, he stresses respecting freedom of expression and impartial content assessment.

Meetings with education ministers and engagement with judges aim to elucidate the new law for robust legal recourse.

Breton affirms the DSA will pursue offenders behind reprehensible online content and rely on tech companies and users to flag disinformation. The EU will address state actors spreading disinformation.

The EU laws won’t apply to the UK or Northern Ireland, but companies committed to the DSA may adopt a transcontinental approach, aligned with the UK’s forthcoming online safety bill.

Breton dismisses rumors about ambitions for the commission’s presidency, stating contentment with his current role.