EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s

The European Union (EU) plans to introduce a stringent ban on under-15s using social media, video sharing platforms, AI chatbots, and online games, according to a European Commission document obtained by Reuters. This move, part of the EU Kids Act, aims to safeguard children's health and safety from potential online hazards. The proposal will be presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Tech Chief Henna Virkkunen on Thursday, with President von der Leyen possibly unveiling some details during her State of the Union address on Wednesday.

The EU's strategy seeks to enable minors to reap the benefits of digital services while shielding them from abuse and exploitation. The document states that the EU approach should limit the access of tech companies to children and not the other way around. The Commission's proposal also allows for gradual access to various services according to age, with varying obligations imposed on companies based on the type of service and the age of the children.

Companies under the proposed regulation will have to pay a supervisory fee to fund regulators' enforcement and supervision. Children 15 and above can create their own accounts, while those aged 13-14 can open introductory accounts under parental control with limited contacts, time limits, and strict safety standards. Accounts for children aged 3-12 will be fully controlled by parents and can only be for child-friendly services with strict safety standards. Under-3s would have no access to the services.

The draft also outlines requirements for companies, including avoiding addictive designs and harmful feeds, providing tools for children to easily report harmful content, and implementing effective parental control tools. Social media and video-sharing platforms will need to verify children's age upon account creation, while online gaming platforms must verify children's age before download. Companies claim they implement precautions and set a minimum age of at least 13 to sign up to social media platforms.