EU Proposes 'Kids Act' to Restrict Social Media and AI for Under-15s

The European Union is preparing to introduce the 'EU Kids Act,' a sweeping regulatory framework that would restrict children under 15 from accessing AI chatbots, social media, online games, and video-sharing platforms. The proposal marks a significant escalation in the bloc's effort to shield minors from digital harms.

Presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen, the act establishes a strict tiered system for digital access. Under the proposal, children aged 15 and older may continue to create accounts independently. Those aged 13 to 14 would be permitted to use social media and video-sharing sites only through "introductory accounts" opened by parents, which would feature limited contacts and strict time constraints. Children between 3 and 12 would be restricted to parent-controlled, child-friendly services meeting rigorous safety standards, while children under 3 would be barred from access entirely.

A New Standard for Digital Safety

To enforce these limits, tech companies must implement robust age verification systems and eliminate addictive designs or harmful algorithmic feeds. The legislation also requires platforms to provide comprehensive reporting tools and parental controls. To fund the oversight of these mandates, the EU will require companies to pay a supervisory fee. The goal is to ensure minors benefit from digital services while limiting the access tech companies have to children to prevent abuse and exploitation.

Industry Implications

The stakes for non-compliance are high. Companies failing to prevent children from accessing restricted platforms could face financial penalties of up to 6% of their annual global sales. This aggressive stance builds upon the existing Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act, reflecting a broader global trend toward legislating age limits, similar to recent initiatives in Canada and Australia.

By targeting a wide array of tools—including AI chatbots like ChatGPT and platforms such as TikTok and Instagram—the EU is attempting to create a harmonized safety standard across its member states. This could force global tech giants to fundamentally redesign their onboarding processes and engagement algorithms worldwide to avoid the risk of massive fines.

What to Watch

As the proposal moves toward formal presentation, the industry will be watching how the EU defines "child-friendly services" and the technical requirements for age verification. While the framework aims for a unified approach, the practical implementation of parent-opened accounts for 13- and 14-year-olds remains a key detail for platforms to navigate.