Brussels, September 17: The European Commission on Thursday proposed new EU-wide rules aimed at strengthening protections for children and teenagers online, including a ban on social media access for children under 13 and tighter restrictions for minors up to the age of 15.
Under the proposed EU KIDS Act, children below 13 would not be allowed to use social media platforms. Those aged 13 to 15 would only be able to access limited social media accounts created through a parent or guardian’s account.
These accounts would include restrictions on social contacts and screen time, with usage limited to up to one hour a day.
Platforms to Be “Safe by Design”
The proposed legislation would require social media platforms, video-sharing services, online video games, AI companions and chatbots used by minors to adopt a “safe by design” approach.
The rules would seek to restrict potentially addictive features such as infinite scrolling, certain reward mechanisms and push notifications during sleeping hours.
Accounts belonging to minors would have to be private by default, while access to geolocation, cameras and microphones would be switched off by default.
Restrictions on AI Chatbots
The proposal also introduces specific safeguards for children using AI systems.
AI companions and chatbots would be disabled by default for minors and would be prohibited from simulating interpersonal relationships in ways that could potentially encourage emotional dependency.
Online services and app stores would also be required to introduce reliable age-assurance mechanisms.
The European Commission said its EU age-verification application could allow users to prove their age without requiring platforms to retain identity documents or biometric information.
Greater Responsibility for Big Platforms
The proposed legislation would also shift the burden of proof for very large online platforms. Service providers would be required to demonstrate that their products and features are safe for children.
Companies would have to submit compliance plans for independent auditing before launching relevant services or features covered by the rules.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the proposal was designed to put parents “back in the driving seat” and require platforms to demonstrate that their services are safe by design.
The EU KIDS Act has now been submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for consideration and approval.
If adopted, enforcement would build on existing mechanisms under the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act. Companies violating the proposed rules could face fines of up to 6% of their total worldwide annual turnover.
