EU proposes social media ban for under-13s as Sánchez says Europe is standing up to ‘techno-oligarchs’
The European Union has unveiled plans to prevent children under 13 from using social media and introduce progressively tighter safeguards for teenagers, in what would be the bloc’s most far-reaching attempt yet to protect minors from addictive platforms and harmful online content. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced... The post EU proposes social media ban for under-13s…
The European Union has introduced proposals to restrict children under 13 from using social media platforms and implement increasingly stringent safeguards for teenagers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced these measures during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg. Children below 13 would be prohibited from using social media, while those aged 13 to 14 would be limited to restricted 'mini accounts' set up and monitored by their parents or guardians.
These accounts would have limited functions and could be used for a maximum of one hour per day. Users aged 15 and above would face safer versions of the platforms. The EU Kids Act, which includes these proposals, aims to limit addictive design techniques utilized by online platforms, such as infinite scrolling for younger users.
Non-compliant platforms may face hefty fines. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez endorsed the move, emphasizing that children's well-being should not be sacrificed to algorithms or economic interests.
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