Ankara: A Lithuanian lawmaker announced plans Friday to introduce a law that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media without parental consent.

According to Anadolu Agency, the legislation proposed by conservative lawmaker Daiva Ulbinaite, would necessitate that social media platforms implement reliable, technology-based age verification systems rather than relying on self-declared age information from users. Companies that fail to adhere to these regulations could face administrative penalties.

“Clear legal regulation, oversight, and genuine platform responsibility are essential. Just as there are age or maturity restrictions for tobacco, alcohol and gambling, experts agree there must also be a defined age of digital adulthood — when a person can understand online risks and take responsibility for their actions,” Ulbinaite stated at a news conference.

Australia became the first country to introduce a ban on social media for those younger than 16 last year, while several European countries, including France, the UK, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, and Italy, are considering or implementing similar measures.