Commission presents 2030 Consumer Agenda

The European Commission has set a clear direction for its forthcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA) by signalling that online child protection will become a central pillar of the proposal. The shift, outlined in the newly published 2030 consumer protection agenda, positions minors as ‘vulnerable consumers’ who require stronger safeguards as they navigate increasingly complex and risk-laden digital environments.

Originally conceived as a broad initiative to reinforce consumer rights in the digital economy by addressing deceptive design, manipulative personalisation, and other unfair practices, the DFA now appears to be moving toward a more targeted focus on children’s digital experiences. According to the agenda, the Commission intends to strengthen protections for minors, reflecting growing political expectations for the EU to act more decisively on social media harms and emerging technologies used by young people. In comments sent to Euractiv at the launch of the DFA’s public consultation in July, Consumer Commissioner Michael McGrath hinted at this evolution, noting that policymakers would consider whether enhanced safeguards for minors should form part of the upcoming legislation.

Political pressure on Brussels has intensified over the past year. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her State of the Union speech to highlight risks linked to children’s digital engagement, while several governments – most prominently France – have floated far-reaching proposals including age-based bans on social media access. Both the European Parliament and the Council are preparing recommendations urging the Commission to accelerate its work in this area. Alongside this policy shift, the Commission also unveiled a package of digital rule cuts, signalling a broader recalibration of EU digital policymaking. The 2030 agenda further confirms plans to reform the consumer protection cooperation regulation, strengthening the EU’s enforcement capacity from 2026 onward.