News item | 10-10-2025 | 14:16
Today the Netherlands, 24 other EU member states, Norway and Iceland signed the Jutland Declaration. In this declaration, the countries agree to work together to create a safer digital world for children. The statement calls for strict enforcement of existing legislation such as the Digital Services Act and requiring companies to take sufficient measures to protect children who use their services. In addition, the countries want new rules to ensure that children do not become addicted through clever design tricks or that they are misled with money tricks. The member states decided this together at the informal Telecom Council in Denmark.
“Learning, relaxing and making contact online is very valuable for children.” Says State Secretary for Digitalization Eddie van Marum. “But we also see the downside: bullying, shocking images, unwanted contacts and health problems due to too much screen time. That is why social media and other companies that offer an online service must take responsibility. And we must help children and parents to use these services in a responsible manner. That is precisely why it is important that the Netherlands signs this declaration. Together with 24 other EU member states, we send a strong signal that the online safety of children comes first.”
Addictive techniques and manipulative revenue models are restricted
An important part of the statement is that companies must take more responsibility to protect children who use their services. This means that services for children must be designed from the start in such a way that they are safe and protect children well, including in terms of their privacy. Addictive technologies such as infinite scrolling and auto-playing videos cause too much screen time and pose health risks. Children also face dangers in video games, such as cyberbullying, grooming and spending too much money on loot boxes, pay-to-win elements and in-game currency. With the Jutland Declaration, the signatory countries therefore advocate tackling and limiting these harmful elements.
Reliable and privacy-friendly age verification
Where there are high risks for children, age verification can help protect them. This must be done in a reliable, safe and privacy-friendly manner. Because this is a drastic measure, it must always be proportionate. For services or products with legal age limits and of which the harmfulness to children has been indisputably established – such as alcohol and tobacco – the use of age verification is more likely to be justified and sometimes even legally required – such as with online gambling.
Stricter enforcement of existing rules
In recent years, important steps have been taken in legislation to protect children online, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA). It is now very important that these rules are strictly observed and enforced. The Netherlands remains committed to this and works closely with the European Commission and national supervisors. The European Guidelines for the Protection of Children, adopted in July 2025, are an important step forward: they oblige online platforms to take appropriate measures for the privacy and safety of children.