The European Union is preparing to introduce new regulations aimed at restricting children’s access to social media, gaming platforms, and AI chatbots as part of a broader effort to enhance online safety for minors. The proposals, collectively referred to as the EU Kids Act, were outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her annual State of the European Union speech in Strasbourg, France.
Under the forthcoming rules, children under the age of 13 would be prohibited from using social media platforms unless supervised by a parent or guardian. Those aged 13 to 15 could access so-called “mini accounts” that would be subject to parental controls and restrictions, including limits on screen time and features designed to reduce exposure to harmful or addictive content. Independent account access would be allowed for users aged 15 to 18, but platforms would be required to implement “safe design” measures to protect this older group.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the initiative is not about preventing minors from accessing social media outright but about controlling when and how such access occurs. She highlighted concerns regarding the addictive nature of social media, exposure to extremist content, and the misuse of children’s photos for AI-generated sexualized images. The proposal would shift the burden of proof onto social media companies, mandating that they demonstrate their platforms are safe for minors.
In addition to social media restrictions, the draft rules also target AI-driven services, particularly chatbots and companion apps, which would need to avoid encouraging unhealthy emotional attachments or exposing young users to harmful interactions. Age verification would become mandatory through official certification apps, with non-compliance potentially triggering fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover.
The measures reflect mounting pressure from several EU member states, including France and Greece, to tighten regulations in response to growing concerns about children’s mental health and wellbeing in the digital environment. Officials also framed the initiative within a wider context of technological risk, with von der Leyen describing artificial intelligence as a major challenge alongside climate change. She called for international cooperation with countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom on AI oversight.
The proposals will now move through the EU’s legislative process, requiring approval by member states and the European Parliament. Implementation is expected to take several years and may fuel tensions with technology companies, many of which are based in the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously criticized European tech regulations and warned of retaliatory tariffs.
The EU’s approach aims to build on existing digital frameworks like the AI Act and the Digital Services Act, which regulate harmful and illegal content online. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of age verification technology and enforcement, as critics warn that young users might circumvent restrictions. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about potential data protection issues stemming from stricter verification requirements.
Similar age-related restrictions have been introduced or considered in other countries, including Australia, France, and Denmark, reflecting a global trend toward increased regulation of children’s digital consumption. Despite the challenges, the EU’s proposed rules signal a significant regulatory effort to balance technological innovation with safeguarding the wellbeing of young Europeans online.