EU to ban social media for under 13s, curb access until 15

The European Union plans to ban social media for children under 13 and limit access until the age of 15, according to plans unveiled by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The proposal comes amid a global backlash against social media, with mounting evidence of its negative impacts on children's physical and mental health. The 27-country bloc aims to take a gradual approach, with tailored protection levels for each age group.

For those aged 13 to under 15, only mini accounts will be allowed, set up and supervised by parents or guardians, with limited features and a time restriction of one hour per day. Between the ages of 15 and 18, platforms will be required to implement safe design measures. Von der Leyen referenced the tragic case of a 14-year-old Belgian girl who took her own life after experiencing bullying, stating that her mother believed the absence of social media could have saved her daughter's life.

Platforms that violate the proposed rules could face fines of up to 6% of their annual turnover. The European Commission president emphasized that Europe is taking the lead in setting its own rules, rather than following those set by tech giants. The proposal, known as the KIDS Act, will be formally presented by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and tech chief Henna Virkkunen in Strasbourg, France on Thursday.