The European Union’s executive leadership proposed on Wednesday a series of new regulations aimed at restricting social media access for children under 13 and imposing limits on teens aged 13 to 18, as part of broader efforts to mitigate online risks to young users. The plan, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, seeks to establish the bloc’s first comprehensive age limits and safety standards for social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Under the proposal, children under 13 would be prohibited from using social media sites altogether. For those aged 13 to 15, “mini accounts” would be permitted only under parental supervision, with restrictions on platform features and screen time. Teenagers between 15 and 18 would still have access but platforms would be required to implement “safe design” measures tailored to safeguard this age group. Von der Leyen emphasized the need to counteract addictive functions and the spread of harmful content, noting concerns about the misuse of children’s photos in AI-generated sexualized imagery.
The proposal must still undergo debate and approval by the EU’s 27 member states, a process that could extend over several years and potentially ignite tensions with the United States, where tech companies such as those targeted by this legislation are headquartered. Some European lawmakers, including Italian Member of the European Parliament Brando Benifei, voiced support for the initiative, highlighting the necessity of confronting the interests of major technology firms.
While social media companies have policies prohibiting users under 13, regulators have criticized them for inadequate enforcement. Observers caution that the new measures may only postpone young people’s exposure to the risks associated with social media without addressing the fundamental business models that encourage addictive engagement and data monetization. Digital rights advocates argue that platforms inevitably target users once they cross age thresholds, maintaining practices that prioritize advertising revenues.
The EU’s move aligns with growing international efforts to regulate young people’s online experiences, following similar actions in countries like Spain, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand. However, some initiatives have encountered legal challenges, such as in France, where a recent law banning social media use for children under 15 was overturned by the country’s highest court on freedom grounds.
Parallel to social media regulation, European leaders are also addressing the potential risks of artificial intelligence. Von der Leyen indicated that the commission plans to collaborate with allied countries including Canada and the United Kingdom to establish joint standards for AI model verification, security, and early warning systems. This comes as prominent AI developers and industry figures, including leaders from Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceXAI, have recently called for a slowdown in AI advancement citing safety concerns.
Despite consensus among some experts about the need for caution, challenges remain due to global competition, profit incentives, and political resistance, particularly from the United States. Initiatives proposed by AI companies include enhanced independent monitoring of AI development and the establishment of shared safety standards, though such cooperation depends heavily on government regulation. Industry leaders like OpenAI’s Sam Altman have expressed willingness to pursue safety improvements voluntarily while supporting the creation of a federal regulatory framework.
The EU’s dual focus on protecting youth from online harms and addressing AI risks reflects a broader attempt to balance innovation with safety and ethical considerations amidst rapidly evolving digital technologies.