How can Europe protect children online? - European Parliament Spring Talks 2026

The EU has led the world in seeking to regulate the digital space, control the power of Big Tech, and safeguard democracy and fundamental rights, in particular to protect minors online. It’s ‘human-centric’ ethical approach is at the core of its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), and Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA). The EU’s digital rulebooks are coming under increased pressure from the US, where most of the Big Tech firms are located, many of them close to the current US Administration, which has accused the EU of targeting its companies with fines and over-regulation. Faced with the threat of tariffs, how can the EU assert its digital sovereignty and ensure safe digital spaces for children?

Eoghan Cleary, secondary school teacher and prominent advocate for children’s online rights.

Niamh Ni Bhroin, researcher at the Department of Media and Communication at the University of Oslo, working in children’s interaction with the digital world.

Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times

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