EU to restrict social media for kids under 15
The EU is planning to restrict access to social media for under-15s, with a law to "enhance the online safety of children" on its way.
The European Union has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 15 in all 27 member states. The proposed EU KIDS Act aims to enhance online safety for young users by banning them from creating their own accounts on popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Instead, children under 15 will be allowed mini-accounts set up by a parent or guardian, with parental controls on by default.
However, they will be limited to just one hour of usage per day. Children under 13 will not be permitted to have any social media accounts at all.
The bill extends beyond social media, targeting video-sharing platforms, online gaming, AI chatbots, and even app stores. If passed, all EU member states will be required to comply, ensuring a uniform approach to online safety across the European Union. Tech companies will be mandated to demonstrate that their services are age-appropriate and safe by design, implementing strict rules to limit addictive features such as infinite scrolling and preventing minors from livestreaming.
Companies with over 45 million active monthly users within the EU will need to submit compliance plans to the Commission. Non-compliance could result in fines equivalent to up to six percent of the companies' worldwide annual revenue. The EU age verification app or third-party platforms will be required for online platforms to verify the age of users.
Age verification has become a global trend in online safety legislation, although it has been criticized for efficiency and potential impacts on digital privacy and free speech.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the KIDS Act aims to reverse the burden of proof, placing the responsibility on platforms to ensure their services are safe by design. The bill builds upon the existing Digital Services Act and AI Act, which have already impacted major tech companies like Meta and Google.
The proposal was informed by a panel of over 60 experts who reported in July 2026 that greater protections for children online are needed, encompassing not just social media but also online gaming, messaging apps, and AI tools.
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