The European Union is preparing a new set of measures aimed at protecting children from online risks, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen set to outline plans.
That could restrict access to social media, online games, video-sharing platforms and AI chatbots for children under 15. The proposed rules come amid growing international concern over the effects of digital platforms on children’s wellbeing. Governments around the world are increasingly examining age restrictions and tougher safeguards as concerns grow over excessive screen use, addictive platform features and other online risks.
Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, while other countries have also begun considering tighter restrictions.
What the EU Is Proposing
A draft document cited by AFP outlines a tiered approach to children’s access to digital platforms. Under the proposed framework, users aged 15 and above would be able to open their own accounts on social media, AI and gaming platforms.
For 13- and 14-year-olds, access would be possible through limited “introductory” accounts controlled by parents. These accounts would have restricted features and tighter limits on screen time. Children aged 3 to 13 would only be able to use fully parent-controlled accounts on designated child-friendly services that meet strict safety requirements.
Children under three would not be permitted to access the covered services under the proposed framework. The plans would also target platform features considered potentially addictive, including infinite scrolling, particularly when they are used by children.
Platforms violating the proposed requirements could face fines of up to 6% of their annual turnover, according to another document seen by AFP.
EU KIDS Act Set for Formal Presentation
Von der Leyen is expected to discuss the plans during her annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. European Commission tech chief Henna Virkkunen is scheduled to formally present the proposed EU KIDS Act on Thursday.
The European Commission has faced calls from member states including France, Denmark and Greece to introduce stronger bloc-wide protections for children.
The EU already has regulations governing online platforms through the Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the legislation, the European Commission has pressed platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to address potentially addictive design practices.
However, Brussels has indicated that existing measures do not go far enough.
Rights Groups Raise Privacy Questions
The proposed age restrictions have also prompted concerns from children’s rights, consumer and digital-rights organisations. One major issue is age verification. The EU is preparing an age-checking application, but critics warn that requiring users to prove their age could create additional privacy and data-protection risks.
Agustin Reyna of the European consumer organisation BEUC said age verification alone would not solve the problems associated with children’s online safety and could create privacy concerns. Digital-rights groups have also argued that age restrictions do not necessarily address the design features that can contribute to excessive or harmful use.
Debate Over Addictive Platform Design
Research cited by children’s advocacy organisation 5Rights Foundation has highlighted features such as endless scrolling, autoplay and notifications as mechanisms that can encourage children to spend more time on digital platforms.
The group examined nine services, including video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games, and reported examples of what it described as manipulative design techniques. Some notifications, according to the research, were framed in emotionally engaging ways, including messages designed to make users feel that a service or virtual character “missed” them.
Critics of the proposed age restrictions argue that children may eventually encounter the same design practices once they reach the permitted age. Simeon de Brouwer of digital rights organisation EDRi said policymakers should focus on addressing the underlying causes of online harm rather than relying primarily on age restrictions.
Proposal Could Take Months to Become Law
The EU’s proposed measures are not yet legally binding. Following the Commission’s formal proposal, EU member states and the European Parliament will have to negotiate the final legislation. That process could take months, and the final rules may differ from the current draft.
The debate is expected to focus on how the EU can strengthen children’s online safety while also protecting privacy, freedom of expression and access to digital services.
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