← Latest briefing

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.