Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s

Live updates

1. 44d ago

   EU proposes social media ban for children under 13

   The European Union plans to restrict social media access for children under 15 to improve online safety. Under the proposed EU Kids Act, children under 13 face a total ban from these platforms. Those aged 13 to 15 will have limited, supervised access. These rules extend to video platforms, gaming, and AI chatbots. To ensure compliance, the initiative requires gamers to provide proof of age. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the plan on Wednesday.

   Why it matters

   This initiative targets a broad range of digital services beyond traditional social networks. It introduces strict age verification requirements for the gaming industry. The goal is to create a legal framework for child safety across the bloc.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union plans to restrict social media access for children under 15.
   • Children under 13 will be fully banned from social media platforms.
   • The EU Kids Act proposes limited, supervised access for children aged 13 to 15.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The restrictions will include AI chatbots, gaming, and video platforms.
   • Gamers must provide proof of age to comply with the safety rules.

   What to watch next

   • Formal introduction of the EU Kids Act text
   • Reaction from social media and gaming industry lobbyists
   • Timeline for implementation across EU member states
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. gizmodo.com — The European Union Sets Limits on Teen Social Media Use. Video Games and AI Chatbots Might Be Next
   2. mashable.com — EU to restrict social media for kids under 15
   3. care.org.uk — EU plans restrictions on social media for under-15s
   confidence 90%
2. 45d ago

   EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen Proposes Tiered Social Media Bans for Minors

   European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans Wednesday to ban children under 13 from social media and prohibit personal accounts for those under 15. Under the proposed EU Kids Act, children aged 13 to 15 may only have limited, supervised access. These restrictions extend beyond social networks to include AI chatbots, gaming, and video platforms. The initiative requires gamers to provide proof of age to comply with the new safety rules.

   Why it matters

   This move follows a failed attempt by France to implement similar under-15 bans. The legislation represents a broader EU effort to clamp down on Big Tech's influence on children. A rapporteur has already argued that excluding children from social media is unfair.

   What is confirmed

   • Ursula von der Leyen proposed a total ban on social media for children under 13.
   • The EU plans to prohibit personal social media accounts for children under 15.
   • Children between 13 and 15 will be limited to supervised access.
   • The EU Kids Act will require gamers to prove their age.
   • Proposed restrictions cover social media, AI chatbots, video platforms, and games.

   Still unconfirmed

   • France has submitted a new proposal to ban social media for under-15s.

   What to watch next

   • The formal introduction of the EU Kids Act on Thursday
   • Legislative debate regarding the rapporteur's claim that exclusion is unfair to children
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. politico.eu — EU to limit access to social media before age of 15
   2. Euronews.com — France submits new proposal to ban social media for under-15s after failed attempt
   3. Bloomberg.com — EU Looking to Restrict Social Media, Chatbots for Kids Under 15
   4. euractiv.com — Gamers will have to prove their age under EU Kids Act
   5. Reuters — EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
   6. RTE.ie — EU to outline curbs on children accessing social media
   7. Euronews.com — Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s
   8. The Irish Times — Social media exclusion unfair to children, says rapporteur
   9. Silicon Republic — New EU Kids Act will restrict social media for under-15s
   10. Bloomberg.com — EU to Unveil Latest Clampdown on Big Tech With Social Media Act
   11. techxplore.com — EU chief to unveil social media, gaming curbs for under-15s
   12. thenextweb.com — The Commission president proposes no social media for children under 13 in the EU
   confidence 95%