Protecting minors online is rapidly becoming one of the most critical policy challenges of the coming years. Across the globe, jurisdictions are taking significant regulatory steps. Brazil has advanced new child protection initiatives with the enactment of the ECA Digital. In the United States, intense debates continue at both state and federal levels, including around recently introduced legislative proposals such as COPPA 2.0. In the European Union, an open-source age verification solution has been released following the adoption of the Article 28 DSA guidelines, alongside the adoption of a compromise text on the proposed Child Sexual Abuse Regulation (CSAR). At the same time, several Member States are adopting a more proactive stance, with France in particular discussing a legislative proposal to strengthen protections for minors through an under-15s social media ban.

Yet this policy area remains uniquely complex. It spans a broad spectrum of issues, from age-appropriate design and age assurance to highly politicised and potentially deeply intrusive measures, such as efforts to combat child sexual abuse material. Striking the right balance requires sustained vigilance and a willingness to learn from diverse regulatory, technological, and societal approaches.

Where do we currently stand, and what lessons can be drawn from recent developments in Brazil, the United States, and the European Union?

This webinar will unpack these recent developments by bringing together regulatory and technical experts. It will examine policy trajectories in Brazil and the United States, provide a deep dive into the EU’s age verification solution, and analyse the substance and implications of the CSAR compromise text.

Speakers:

Jonas Teixeira Marinho, Secretary at Brazilian Mission to the European Union.

Olivier Blazy, Prof. Ecole Polytechnique.

Desara Dushi, Policy Officer, Future of Privacy Forum

Daniel Hales, Policy Officer, Future of Privacy Forum

Owen Bennett, International Policy Expert, Ex-Ofcom, Ex-Mozilla

Date and Time:

March, 19, 2026. 4pm-5:15pm CET.

Moderator: Sophie Stalla-Bourdillon (BPH, LSTS, VUB)

Register to the webinar here