EU chief proposes bloc-wide social media ban for kids under 13

Live updates

1. 33d ago

   EU Proposes KIDS Act to Restrict Social Media for Children

   The European Commission adopted a proposal for the EU KIDS Act to establish a bloc-wide minimum age for social media access. Set for a formal announcement on Thursday according to preparatory documents, the legislation requires online products to be safe by design and phases in access until age 13. Commission spokesperson Olof Gil commented on the initiative, which addresses perceived gaps in current digital regulations across member states. The measure aims to alter digital safety standards throughout the European Union.

   Why it matters

   Existing internet regulations including the Digital Services Act and GDPR were deemed insufficient by the European Commission, prompting this targeted legislation. The initiative attempts to protect minors from online harms by restricting platform access and enforcing stricter design requirements for digital products. This development follows growing concern among regulators over underage social media usage.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation known as the EU KIDS Act on September 17, 2026.
   • The legislation will establish a bloc-wide minimum age and phase in social media access until age 13.
   • Preparatory documents indicate the proposal mandates that online products must be safe by design.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Restrictions under the proposed framework could potentially expand to include children under 15 and the use of AI chatbots.

   What to watch next

   • Formal Thursday presentation of the EU KIDS Act by the European Commission
   • Release of complete preparatory documents and official text detailing age verification methods
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. themunicheye.com — EU's New KIDS Act Would Delay Social Media Access Until Age 13
   2. awaaz.co.nz — Brian Tamaki suggests Sikh procession in Bay of Plenty was akin to religious persuasion
   3. cde.news — EU to propose KIDS Act on social media safety - cde.news
   4. www.pearlcohen.com — EU Proposed KIDS Act: Social Media Minimum Age and Safety-by ...
   5. www.siliconrepublic.com — The Interview: Digital euro will offer ‘cash-like privacy’, says Dombrovskis
   confidence 95%
2. 42d ago

   EU Commission proposes social media ban for children under 13

   The European Commission is proposing a bloc-wide ban on social media for children under 13 through the EU Kids Act. This safety initiative aims to restrict platform access and mandates that gamers provide proof of age. The proposal intends to change digital safety standards across the European Union. While the primary focus remains on the under-13 demographic, some reports suggest the restrictions could expand to include children under 15 and the use of AI chatbots.

   Why it matters

   The proposal addresses growing concerns over child safety in digital environments. It introduces stricter age verification requirements for online services. The EU is attempting to standardize these protections across all member states.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Restrictions may extend to children under 15.
   • The ban may include AI chatbots.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the final age limit for the ban.
   • Details on the specific age verification methods required for gamers.
   • The timeline for the EU Kids Act to move to a vote.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.newindianexpress.com — Eight juveniles arrested for attack on student after spat on social media in Tirunelveli
   2. mynews13.com — Volusia County leaders pursue permanent data center ban
   confidence 80%
3. 45d ago

   EU Commission proposes social media ban for children under 13

   The European Commission has proposed a ban on social media use for children under 13 as part of the EU Kids Act. This child safety proposal seeks to restrict access to social platforms and would require gamers to prove their age. While some reports indicate the restrictions may extend to children under 15 and include AI chatbots, the primary proposal focuses on the under-13 age group to transform digital safety across the bloc.

   Why it matters

   The EU Kids Act aims to accelerate age verification processes to protect minors from online harms. These measures would fundamentally change how social media, online gaming, and AI tools operate within the European Union.

   What is confirmed

   • The EU Commission has proposed a ban on social media for children under 13.
   • The EU Kids Act would accelerate age verification plans.
   • Gamers will be required to prove their age under the EU Kids Act.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The EU may propose a ban on social media and AI chatbots for children under 15.
   • The proposal includes restrictions on AI chatbots for children.

   What to watch next

   • Official publication of the EU Kids Act text
   • Legislative voting results within the EU Parliament
   • Implementation timelines for age verification requirements
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. euractiv.com — Gamers will have to prove their age under EU Kids Act
   2. Reuters — EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
   3. The New York Times — Age Limits for Social Media Outlined by European Union
   4. Financial Times — EU to restrict social media and chatbots for children under 15
   5. AP News — EU chief proposes social media ban for kids under 13
   6. CNN — EU announces plan to ban social media for under 13s
   7. WSJ — EU Chief Reveals Plans for Curbing Children’s Access to Social Media
   8. The Guardian — EU moves closer to social media ban for under 13s
   9. Gizmodo — The European Union Sets Limits on Teen Social Media Use. Video Games and AI Chatbots Might Be Next
   10. BBC — EU announces plan to restrict social media access for children
   11. reuters.com — EU Commission proposes under-13s social media ban
   12. wired.com — The EU Wants to Break Up Kids and Their Chatbots
   confidence 80%