EU chief confronts Big Tech with a bloc-wide proposal to protect kids from social media
The European Union’s top official proposed on Wednesday banning children under 13 across the 27-nation bloc from using social media sites and imposing limits for older teens on accessing the platforms. The plan outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen adds to global efforts to protect young people using platforms such as Instagram and TikTok from online harm. “I am aware…
European Union's top official Ursula von der Leyen urged Big Tech companies to change their practices during her annual State of the European Union speech on Wednesday. She proposed banning children under 13 from using social media across the 27-nation bloc and imposing limits on older teenagers' access to these platforms. The plan aims to protect young people from online harm, such as addictive features, extreme content, and the use of their photos for AI-generated sexualized images.
Von der Leyen suggested that children aged 13-15 would be granted "mini accounts" with features and time limits, while 15-to-18-year-olds would need platforms to provide a "safe design." The proposal still requires debate and voting among the EU's 27 member nations, which could take years and potentially lead to conflicts with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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