Facebook to be banned for Europeans under 16

Teenagers under the age of 16 in European countries may be banned from using Facebook, Instagram, email and other social networks by the end of this week.

According to proposals currently under consideration in the European Union, teenagers under the age of 16 must have their parents' consent to use Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other social networks.

The proposals would raise the legal age for websites to collect users' personal information from 13 to 16.

According to these proposals, European teenagers would need their parents' consent to open social media accounts, download apps, and even use search engines.

If these proposals are approved, European countries will have two years to implement them.

Social networks will also be required to comply with the law and will be fined if they violate it.

A number of groups have condemned the move, saying it would deprive teenagers of access to the internet. They warn that it could encourage under-16s to lie about their age.

EU countries will decide on this today, and if they reach an agreement, the European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committees will vote on it, and ultimately the European Parliament will put it to a vote in the new year.

Big American tech companies are lobbying heavily against such proposals.