EU Set to Propose Social Media and AI Chatbot Restrictions for Under-15s
The European Union is preparing to propose sweeping restrictions on social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online gaming services for children under 15, according to a European Commission document seen by Reuters.
The proposal is part of an EU Kids Act that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen are expected to present this week. The initiative aims to strengthen protections for children from potential online abuse, exploitation and other digital risks.
The proposed rules would introduce different levels of access based on age. Children aged 15 and above would be able to create their own accounts, while those aged 13 and 14 could access social media and video-sharing platforms through introductory accounts opened by parents and subject to parental controls, limited contacts and strict time limits.
Children between 3 and 12 would only be allowed to use child-friendly services under full parental control and strict safety standards. Children under 3 would not have access to the covered services.
The proposal would also require technology companies to take measures against addictive designs and harmful content feeds. Platforms would have to provide children with accessible tools to report harmful content and give parents effective controls over their children’s online activities.
Social media and video-sharing companies would be required to verify users’ ages when new accounts are created. Online gaming platforms would also have to verify a child’s age before allowing games to be downloaded.
The European Commission document said the EU’s approach should allow children to benefit from digital services while protecting them from abuse and exploitation. It also proposed that companies pay a supervisory fee to help finance regulatory enforcement and oversight.
The move comes amid growing international concerns about the impact of social media, AI chatbots and other digital platforms on children’s health and safety. Major platforms affected could include Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, Google’s YouTube and AI chatbot services such as ChatGPT.
The proposal is not yet law. The European Commission will need to work with EU member states and the European Parliament on the draft in the coming months before the measures can take effect.
The Commission declined to comment on the document, and details could still change before the formal announcement.
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