EU Proposes Strict Kids Act Banning Social Media For Under-15s

The European Commission is preparing to introduce the "EU Kids Act," a legislative proposal that restricts social media, video-sharing platforms, video games, and artificial intelligence chatbots for minors under 15 through a graduated, age-based access system. The proposed framework, set to be presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen, aims to curb platform access while introducing mandatory parental controls across member states.

"No personal account under the age of 15. No social media under the age of 13. That means only mini accounts from 13 to under 15, set up and supervised by parents, with limited features and time restrictions," said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, during her State of the Union address.

Graduated Age Brackets and Access Rules

The legislative proposal establishes distinct operational tiers according to user age. Under the draft rules, children under three years old would be barred entirely from accessing covered services. For children between three and 12 years old, accounts for any child-friendly services would require full, direct parental control.

Adolescents aged 13 and 14 would be permitted to request introductory accounts from their parents. These "mini accounts" would feature mandatory parental oversight, limited contact lists, and strict time limits. Young users would gain the ability to establish independent, self-managed accounts only upon reaching 15 years of age.

Enforcement Mechanisms and Corporate Obligations

Technology companies operating within the European Union would face strict compliance mandates under the proposed act. Service providers would be required to implement age-verification systems, strip platforms of addictive design features and algorithmic feeds known to promote excessive engagement, and supply functional parental control tools.

To fund regulatory oversight, platform providers would also be required to pay a dedicated supervisory fee. These funds would support enforcement agencies as they monitor compliance across digital markets.

"The Union’s approach should allow minors to benefit from the huge potential of digital services, while protecting them from abuse and exploitation. It needs to limit the access of tech companies to our children, and not the other way around," stated a European Commission document seen by Reuters.

What Is at Stake for Big Tech

The measure represents an escalation in European regulatory oversight of consumer technology. By targeting engagement models, AI companions, and social networks utilized by minors, the European Commission seeks to alter how digital products are designed for younger demographics. The draft legislation now moves toward formal debate among European lawmakers and member state governments.