Technology
EU official proposes bloc-wide social media ban for children under 13
The proposed EU Kids Act would restrict teenagers to supervised accounts and mandate safe platform designs.
The short version
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an EU-wide ban on social media, online games, and chatbots for children under 13.[ABC News · Wired]
- Teenagers aged 13 to 15 would be limited to supervised mini accounts, while platforms must implement safe design rules for users up to age 18.[ABC News · Wired]
- The proposal requires negotiation and approval from EU member states, a process experts say could extend into 2029.[Wired]
Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed banning children under 13 from accessing social media across the EU.[ABC News · Wired]
- Children aged 13 to 15 would be restricted to supervised mini accounts with limited features and time limits.[ABC News · Wired]
- Platforms would be required to enforce safe design standards for users up to 18 years old.[ABC News · Wired]
- France's top court struck down a national ban on social media for under-15s last month citing freedom of expression concerns.[ABC News · Wired]
What remains uncertain
- Legal experts estimate the EU legislative process and negotiation among member states could take until 2029.[Wired]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- The EU Bans Social Media For Under-13sWired metered
- EU chief proposes bloc-wide social media ban for kids under 13ABC News - Technology