The European Union is considering sweeping new restrictions that could prevent children under the age of 15 from independently accessing social media platforms, artificial intelligence chatbots, video-sharing services and online games.
The proposed measures form part of a planned “EU Kids Act,” which aims to establish stronger and more consistent protections for minors across the bloc. If adopted, the legislation would introduce age-based levels of access and place greater responsibility on technology companies to verify users’ ages and protect children from harmful digital experiences.
Under the proposal, children aged 15 and above would be permitted to create their own accounts. Those between 13 and 14 could gain limited access through accounts opened and supervised by their parents, with restrictions on contacts, content and time spent online. Services designed for younger children would require full parental control and compliance with stricter safety standards.
The rules could affect major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, as well as AI chatbot providers and online gaming services. Companies may be required to introduce reliable age-verification systems when users create accounts or download games.
Technology platforms would also face restrictions on addictive design features and algorithms that repeatedly recommend potentially harmful content. They would be expected to provide effective parental-control tools and simple ways for young users to report abuse, exploitation or inappropriate material.
The initiative reflects growing concern among European policymakers about the effects of excessive screen time, algorithm-driven content and unrestricted access to generative AI on children’s mental health, privacy and personal safety. Officials argue that voluntary age limits imposed by technology companies have not provided sufficient protection.
Platforms covered by the legislation could also be required to pay supervisory fees to help finance regulatory monitoring and enforcement.
However, the measure has not yet become law. Details may change before the European Commission formally presents its plan, after which it would require negotiations and approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.
The debate is expected to focus on how age verification can be enforced without collecting excessive personal information, as well as whether a broad European ban would be practical across different platforms and national legal systems.
If approved, the legislation would represent one of the world’s most comprehensive attempts to regulate children’s access to social media, AI chatbots and other interactive digital services.
