{
  "id": 8200543,
  "title": "EU proposes strict Social Media ban for under-15s in landmark child safety act",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/eu-proposes-strict-social-media-ban-for-under-15s-in-landmark-child",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-18T06:16:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "3News",
    "slug": "3news",
    "url": "https://3news.com/world/eu-proposes-strict-social-media-ban-for-under-15s-in-landmark-child-safety-act"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Union has proposed a significant child safety act, which would impose strict restrictions on social media access for individuals under 15 years old across all member states. The primary goal of this legislation, dubbed the EU Kids Act, is to enhance well-being and address online safety concerns. The plan includes a phased approach, beginning with a prohibition on under-13s using social media platforms. Children aged 13 to 15 would be limited to using platforms for a maximum of one hour per day, through \"mini accounts\" created by their parents or guardians.\n\nEU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the legislation would \"put parents back in the driving seat,\" granting them the tools to help their children navigate a safer online environment. The restrictions would extend to all major platforms, including YouTube, AI chatbots, and online games. According to von der Leyen, an age limit should not exempt tech companies from responsibility for content on their platforms. They would be required to submit comprehensive child safety plans if the legislation is approved. The act also mandates that social media companies demonstrate safety by design, prohibiting toxic or addictive features, traps, and other harmful elements.\n\nSeveral EU countries, such as France and Spain, have independently introduced their own social media restrictions for children, which the proposed EU-wide legislation would supersede. Member states would be unable to opt out of this legally binding regulation. The European Commission has cautioned certain member states that they may need to repeal national laws in place before the EU Kids Act takes effect.\n\nOnce approved by the EU member states and the European Parliament, enforcement measures remain uncertain. The path ahead is likely to face opposition, as individual member states may attempt to strengthen or weaken the proposals. Some critics raise privacy concerns, questioning how personal information will be verified without collecting or sharing sensitive data. To address these concerns, the Commission stated that age verification would utilize the EU's existing age verification app and that no personal data would be collected or shared.\n\nSocial media companies are expected to clarify their positions regarding the new restrictions as the legislation is debated across the months to come. Von der Leyen had previously advocated for a \"social media delay\" in Europe, and the proposal was mentioned in her annual address earlier this year. In July, the EU had ordered Meta to modify the addictive features of Facebook and Instagram or face substantial fines. The company disagreed with the findings, claiming that they had implemented significant steps to protect teens. Meta also settled a $18 billion lawsuit in August with US states and territories, relating to claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children.",
  "summary": "The European Commission has proposed the EU Kids Act to restrict social media access for under-15s, banning under-13s and capping older teens at one hour per day.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}