The European Union has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 13 and limit it to supervised use until they turn 15. The measures, outlined by EU President Ursula von der Leyen, aim to protect young users from the risks associated with online platforms. The proposal includes banning certain features and requiring platforms to implement child-safe designs.
Von der Leyen's plan includes a ban on social media for children under 13 and limited access for those aged 13 to 15, with parental supervision. The initiative follows similar proposals in Australia, the UK, and other countries, and is part of broader efforts to address the mental health impacts of social media on children. The EU will also ban addictive design features like infinite scrolling.
The EU's plan is part of a larger effort to regulate the digital environment for minors, with the KIDS Act set to be debated in the coming months. The proposal includes stricter regulations on social media, video streaming, and online games, with penalties for non-compliance. The initiative aims to create clear boundaries in the digital world, similar to real-world protections.
The proposal has faced criticism from technology companies and consumer groups, who warn of potential privacy risks and regulatory overlaps. The EU will need to navigate these challenges as the plan moves toward potential legislation, balancing the need for child protection with concerns over data privacy and online safety.