The European Commission has adopted a proposal that would restrict children under 13 from having social media accounts across the European Union, opening a new phase in Europe’s regulation of online platforms.
Under the proposed EU KIDS Act, children under 13 would not be allowed to create social media accounts. Young people aged 13 and 14 could use limited accounts supervised by a parent or guardian, while independent social media accounts would start at 15.
Platforms Would Face New Rules
The proposal goes beyond age limits. Social media and video-sharing services would have to use safer settings for minors and restrict features designed to encourage excessive use. These include infinite scrolling, certain reward systems, tracking-based recommendation feeds and unsolicited contact from strangers.
The rules would also cover online games, app stores and AI chatbots or companions accessible to minors. AI companions would face additional safeguards intended to reduce risks of emotional dependency and harmful interactions.
Age Verification Becomes Central
Platforms would have to use certified age-assurance systems rather than relying only on a user’s stated date of birth. The Commission says its approach is designed to confirm age without requiring platforms to learn a user’s identity.
Big Tech Could Face Heavy Fines
Large platforms would have to demonstrate that their services are safe for children, with independent audits forming part of the proposed system. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 6% of their worldwide annual turnover.
The proposal is not law yet. It must now go through negotiations with EU member states and the European Parliament before the rules can take effect.
The European Commission says the proposal is intended to put parents in greater control while making online services safer by design. More background is available from the EU KIDS Act and European Commission.
