The European Commission is planning new rules that will impose “default settings” on social networks to protect minors as it becomes increasingly worried by the lack of privacy on sites such as Facebook.

The rules are also expected to cover game consoles and smart phones.

“Social networking sites need to take their responsibilities towards youngsters seriously. I intend to address these issues later this year in a comprehensive strategy on making the internet a safer place for children through a combination of protective and empowerment measures,” European Digital Agenda Commissioner Nellie Kroes said yesterday.

A series of “privacy” tests were carried out on several social networking sites by the Commission’s experts who found that although there has been an improvement since last year dangers still lurk for minors and young people. For example, of the nine sites tested, only two – Habbo Hotel and Xbox Live – provided default settings that make the personal profiles of those under 18 accessible only to the people on their list of “friends”. As a result, if minors do not take precautions, their profile is open to all.

On the other hand, the majority of sites examined do provide age-appropriate information, advice and other educational content for minors. In addition, “seven sites responded to requests for help, a majority in less than a day,” the Commission said.

According to the report on the tests, two sites (Dailymotion and Windows Live) ensure that, by default, minors can only be reached by their friends, for both public and private messages.