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EU wants parental controls for kids under 13 on social media
European Commission proposes age checks and supervision requirements for children accessing platforms, games and AI chatbots.
In brief
European Commission proposes age checks and supervision requirements for children accessing platforms, games and AI chatbots. The EU wants to require parental supervision for under-13s on social media and parental controls for 13-15 year olds, with platforms facing fines up to 6% of revenue. Originally reported by…
EU proposes child social media limits
The European Commission wants new restrictions on children's access to social media, online games and AI chatbots to strengthen protections for young people.
Under-13s need parental supervision
Children under 13 couldn't access social media without parental supervision. Those aged 13 to 15 would face additional restrictions like time limits.
Platforms must verify ages
Social media companies would be required to check users' ages using an official verification app according to draft proposals.
Von der Leyen challenges Big Tech
The Commission president rejected the idea that tech companies are too powerful to regulate, saying Europe doesn't have to accept addictive features.
“We do not have to accept addictive features. We do not have to accept children being drawn into ever more extreme content.”
AI chatbots face special rules
AI companion services would need safeguards to prevent children forming unhealthy emotional attachments or exposure to harmful exchanges.
“It is not about our minors accessing social media. It is about when and how do we allow social media to access our minors.”
Companies face massive fines
Platforms that fail to comply could be fined up to 6% of their global annual turnover. The proposals still need to go through the EU legislative process.
Other countries trying similar bans
Australia, New Zealand and France are all working on restrictions. France's Constitutional Council already struck down one under-15 ban over freedom concerns.
The bottom line
The EU wants to require parental supervision for under-13s on social media and parental controls for 13-15 year olds, with platforms facing fines up to 6% of revenue.
