Apple executive chairman Tim Cook met European Parliament president Roberta Metsola for talks about children's safety online

Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - Apple executive chairman Tim Cook on Tuesday pledged the US giant would protect children online and praised the EU’s efforts to ensure minors’ safety after a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“We innovate every day to combat evolving threats, and we’re committed to providing a safe and trusted platform for kids,” the former Apple CEO said.

“We also welcome the European Parliament’s leadership in championing a harmonised, Europe-wide framework to keep kids safe,” Cook said during a visit to an Apple store in Strasbourg.

“We’re very encouraged that the EU KIDS Act proposed by the (European) Commission has helped trigger a constructive conversation around this critical issue in Europe,” he added.

The EU last month proposed a ban on social media for children under 13 while 13- and 14-year-olds can have “mini accounts” that they can access through a parent or guardian’s account.

It will become law only after negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states. This process can take months.

The Apple chairman met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola earlier on Tuesday as well as EU lawmakers focused on children’s safety.

“Both underlined the growing need to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the rapidly evolving digital sphere,” Metsola’s office said.

Cook’s 15-year run as Apple chief executive ended last month, with John Ternus taking over. As executive chairman of Apple’s board, the company has said Cook’s mandate includes engaging policymakers around the world.

His comments will be welcome in the bloc since Apple and the European Union regularly clash over digital competition rules as the US titan often says they are to blame for the delayed rollout of its products in Europe.

Cook’s trip comes over two weeks after Australian leader Anthony Albanese met him in California following which the prime minister said he was seeking big tech backing for child online safety laws and greater AI regulation.