POLITICO: EU moves to curb social media access for under-15s

The European Commission is set to propose new rules restricting minors’ access to social media and video-sharing platforms before the age of 15, according to preparatory documents seen by POLITICO and a person familiar with the matter.

The EU executive is expected to unveil the new EU KIDS Act on September 17, introducing age restrictions and requirements for covered services, including social media platforms and AI companions, to be designed with children’s safety in mind.

Under the proposal, access to social media before the age of 15 would be subject to a tiered system allowing use under parental supervision, the documents said.

The initiative marks a major step by the European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen protections for minors online, amid growing pressure from health experts, politicians and parents over the impact of platforms such as TikTok and Instagram on children’s mental health.

The proposal comes after months of pressure from European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to make the issue a political priority. Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain are also pursuing national measures to restrict children’s access to social media.

Von der Leyen is expected to provide further details in her State of the European Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on September 16.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gil confirmed that the EU KIDS Act would be presented on September 17.

The proposed rules would cover social media, video-sharing platforms, online games, AI chatbots and AI companions, while excluding educational tools. The package would also include educational measures aimed at children, parents and guardians, according to the documents.

A panel of health and technology experts convened by von der Leyen issued similar recommendations earlier this year, calling for restrictions on access to what it termed "social media+," including services such as AI companions.

The proposal remains subject to change ahead of its formal presentation and will subsequently need to be negotiated with EU member states and the European Parliament.

By Vafa Guliyeva