EU proposes new law to restrict children's access to social media

The European Commission announced on Wednesday the adoption of a new draft law, the EU KIDS Act, aimed at enhancing children's online safety and restricting their access to social media platforms within the European Union.

The proposal would prohibit social media platforms from offering their services to children under the age of 13, and sets 15 as the minimum age for minors to open an independent account. Digital service providers would be required to prove their platforms are age-appropriate and safe by design, shifting the responsibility from families and children to the companies themselves.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained that the proposed law "shifts the burden of proof, requiring platforms to demonstrate they are safe by design, and restores a greater role for parents in helping their children navigate the digital world safely."

Usage rules for children and minors

According to the proposal, children under 13 would be barred from accessing social media platforms, but could use video-sharing services designed for children through accounts managed by their parents. Those aged 13 to under 15 could use supervised accounts with parental oversight, subject to safeguards such as limits on social interactions and a maximum of one hour of screen time per day.

From the age of 15, minors would be allowed to create independent accounts on social media platforms.

Additional obligations for digital services

The proposed law introduces a range of requirements for digital services offering social media, video sharing, online games, AI companions, and chatbots to users under 18. Measures include banning features designed to encourage addictive use and recommendation feeds based on profile analysis that could expose minors to so-called "rabbit holes" of harmful content.