Gamers will have to prove their age under EU Kids Act
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled plans for the EU Kids Act, introducing strict age restrictions across digital platforms. The proposed legislation prohibits children under 13 from accessing social media, while individuals under 15 will face limited and supervised access. Additionally, gamers and users of AI chatbots will be required to verify their age. Technology platforms must prove they are safe before children can access them, marking a significant clampdown on big tech companies operating within the European Union.
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- ✓ The European Union will ban children under 13 from social media.
- ✓ Children under 15 will have limited and supervised access to social media.
- ✓ Gamers will have to prove their age under the EU Kids Act.
- ✓ Technology platforms will have to prove they are safe before children can access them.
What changed
The European Commission formally unveiled sweeping digital safety plans featuring specific age thresholds and verification mandates.
Live updates
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EU Kids Act Proposes Social Media and Gaming Age Limits
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled plans for the EU Kids Act, introducing strict age restrictions across digital platforms. The proposed legislation prohibits children under 13 from accessing social media, while individuals under 15 will face limited and supervised access. Additionally, gamers and users of AI chatbots will be required to verify their age. Technology platforms must prove they are safe before children can access them, marking a significant clampdown on big tech companies operating within the European Union.
Why it matters
The push for digital child safety measures follows separate national proposals from countries like France, alongside coordinated efforts from the Netherlands and Spain to establish a unified European framework. These new curbs target social media and online interactive spaces where young users spend significant time. The legislation aims to address growing concerns regarding child safety and digital platform accountability.
What is confirmed
- The European Union will ban children under 13 from social media.
- Children under 15 will have limited and supervised access to social media.
- Gamers will have to prove their age under the EU Kids Act.
- Technology platforms will have to prove they are safe before children can access them.
Still unconfirmed
- Video games and AI chatbots might face immediate outright bans alongside social media restrictions.
What to watch next
- Formal legislative debate and amendments on the EU Kids Act
- Official European Parliament voting timeline
- Responses and compliance strategies from major technology companies
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (20)
- politico.eu — EU to limit access to social media before age of 15
- Euronews.com — France submits new proposal to ban social media for under-15s after failed attempt
- Bloomberg.com — EU Looking to Restrict Social Media, Chatbots for Kids Under 15
- euractiv.com — Gamers will have to prove their age under EU Kids Act
- lemonde.fr — France makes new attempt to ban social media for children under age 15
- Euronews.com — The Netherlands, Spain push for EU-wide minimum age on social media
- Reuters — EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
- RTE.ie — EU to outline curbs on children accessing social media
- Euronews.com — Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s
- Bloomberg.com — EU to Unveil Latest Clampdown on Big Tech With Social Media Act
- Yahoo — EU's von der Leyen to unveil plans on digital children safety measures
- The New York Times — Age Limits for Social Media Outlined by European Union
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