EU announces plan to restrict social media access for under-15s

The European Union has unveiled a plan to restrict access to social media for children under the age of 15 across its member states, with the aim of promoting well-being and enhancing online safety. The proposed legislation, known as the EU Kids Act, outlines a step-by-step approach to children's usage of social media platforms.

Under the plan, children aged 13 to 15 would be limited to accessing social media for an hour per day through 'mini accounts' created by their parents or guardians. The European Commission has emphasized the importance of social media companies demonstrating the safety of their platforms, threatening fines of up to 6% of their global sales if they fail.

The EU Kids Act, which also covers video-sharing platforms like YouTube, AI chatbots, and online games, would not only affect well-known applications such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat but would also apply to emerging technologies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the legislation would empower parents with tools to guide their children through a safer digital environment.

She also clarified that an age limit does not absolve tech companies from their responsibilities, as they would still need to implement stringent child safety measures. The new regulations aim to supersede existing national laws, ensuring a legally binding standardized approach. However, the implementation of the legislation may face challenges, including potential opposition from member states and concerns over privacy and the verification process for age verification.