EU to propose curbing social media, online games for under 15s

Strasbourg, France — In a draft legal document, the European Union is poised to propose measures to restrict access to social media, video-sharing platforms, chatbots, and online games for children under the age of 15, according to AFP. A proposed new law to be unveiled on Thursday would prohibit minors under 15 from creating their own accounts, introducing a tiered system of access with parental supervision for younger children.

In addition to age limits, the EU KIDS Act would compel digital giants to make their platforms safer by design for children, requiring the removal of addictive features such as infinite scrolling. The European Commission has faced pressure from several EU member states, including France and Greece, to implement bloc-wide measures to safeguard children from potential harms associated with social media.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to provide insights into the proposed law during her annual speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday.