Europe seeks stricter age limits for TikTok, Instagram and Facebook

European leaders are proposing stricter age limits for popular social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, with the aim of protecting children from potential mental health risks associated with their use. President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission unveiled the plan, which seeks to prevent children under 13 from accessing these platforms.

This proposal aligns with similar initiatives in Australia, the United Kingdom, China, India, Turkey, and several European nations, driven by growing concerns over the impact of social media on young people's well-being. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for age-appropriate restrictions, pointing out that today's children are interacting with advanced technologies not designed with their welfare in mind.

The European Commission's Kids Act would establish clear boundaries in the digital world, similar to real-world guidelines. However, the proposal has sparked debate, with the CCIA Europe, representing major technology companies in Europe, raising concerns about privacy risks and potential regulatory conflicts. The plan aims to give parents more control over accounts for users aged 13 to 15 and would impose stricter regulations on social media, video streaming services, online video games, and chatbots targeting users under 18.

These regulations include limiting addictive features, restricting algorithm-driven recommendations, strengthening age verification systems, and enhancing content moderation. Non-compliant companies could face hefty fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. The plan will be discussed among EU member states and the European Parliament before becoming law.